Written By: Kenneth Ho

Balestier Khalsa coach Marko Kraljevic felt his side were too toothless against Home United as they went down 2-0 to the Protectors.

The loss puts Balestier six points behind league leaders Brunei DPMM, having played a game more.

DPMM can go nine points clear should they win their next game against Tampines Rovers, and with only three games left, Kraljevic admitted that this has made things really complicated for his side’s title hopes.

“I think it now will be very tough,” Kraljevic explained. But we will keep going, our titles chances now are very slim, that’s why I am disappointed that we lost.”

Home took only two minutes to breach Balestier’s goal, and Kraljevic admitted it was too early a setback for his side.

“We conceded a goal too early. Second half we placed pressure but we were not able to score the goal and we lost the game but we tried very hard and second half we pushed as hard as we can in front of Home United,” he added.

“We just weren’t sharp enough and then we lost the game. It’s quite hard, we are now waiting for their result (when DPMM play Tampines Rovers).”

Home coach Philippe Aw  was full of praise for his side, especially after their first-half performance.

The Protectors did not managed to create much in the second half but Aw gave credit to their opponents for making it difficult for them to do so.

“We didn’t allow Balestier to do what they were good at and it was very professional in the second half that we kept a clean sheet in the second half,” Aw added.

“In a way you’ve got to give credit to Balestier. They came out fighting, pressed us more and we could not play our usual game in the second half.”