Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Home United coach Lee Lim Saeng was understandably the happier of the two coaches after his side overturned a deficit against Woodlands Wellington to romped to a 6-1 victory in their StarHub League Cup Group C opener.

Lee Kwan Woo levelled things for the visitors minutes before the interval after Chang Jo Yoon had given the Rams the lead early in the first half.

“I explained to them to be composed as we played hastily in the first half. They tried their ability in the second half and I want to credit them for it,” said Lee whose pep talk during half-time paid dividend in the second half.

The second half saw five players – Qiu Li, Kwon Dakyung, Yasir Hanapi, Bruno Castanheira and Indra Sahdan Daud – netting a goal each to seal a memorable outing for the Bishan-based club.

“I did not expect it (six players scoring a goal each). I am very happy because we had a goalless draw with Woodlands in the S.League. The players want to beat these opponents and their desire is there. I am happy to see their effort,” added Lee who revealed that he will field his strongest eleven against their next opponent, National Football League outfit Singapore Recreation Club on 14 July.

Despite the heavy defeat, Woodlands coach Salim Moin put on a brave front and sums things up, saying: “In football there is a good and bad day. Today is a bad day. Despite we taking the lead in the first half, we then lapsed in terms of concentration and disorganised.”

“Home played a better game. They made use of our disorganisation and they scored goals.

“Players want to do their own way. I told them with Home you are not allowed to give them space. When you give them space, we get punished,” added the ex-Singapore international.

While injuries and suspension forced Salim to tinker with his lineup, he had expected those standing in to fully soak in his style of play.

“I am giving everybody a chance to play and when those players comes in, they must make sure they understand the philosophy.

“You work as a team in attacking and also in defending. They must know this,” explained Salim whose side can still qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat their next opponent, SRC on 11 July at the Woodlands Stadium.