Written by: Nigel Chin

Harimau Muda coach Razip Ismail felt his side had no chance in the game at all after conceding two early goals in a 5-1 loss by Tampines Rovers.

Mateo Roskam netted twice inside the opening 10 minutes to set Tampines Rovers on their way to a resounding victory.

While Akhir Bahari managed to reduce the deficit midway in the first half, Tampines never allowed them to come close to leveling matters, with Rodrigo Tosi netting a hat-trick to wrap up the victory.

“We collapsed as early as the second minute, two minutes and we already allowed the first goal,” Razip said.

“I think we started very badly. After two goals down, we tried to reduce the deficit but those chances that we created we only to scored one.

“To me, throughout we didn’t have a good game even though second half we try to improve. We were struggling throughout the match.”

Meanwhile, Tampines coach V. Sundramoorthy believes that his charges put on their best display of the season so far.

“It’s a good performance – we took our chances, that’s the difference,” Sundram stated.

“From what I saw in today’s performance, the boys are pushing and creating chances. as long as we keep creating the chances, I think chances of us winning the game will be good.

Sundram added the result bodes well for the Stags, as they enter the last leg of the title race.

“Obviously, my strikers hitting the net five times, the boys fighting for one another, I feel good that they are motivated and want to win the game,” he said.

“I believe we turned the corner and we are looking forward to the other games trying to push ourselves to go as high as we can in the league table. The marathon is coming to an end, we want to make sure that we will be there [in the thick of the title race].”

Sundram also challenged his side to maintain their form and continue closing the gap on league leaders Brunei DPMM by winning against the Courts Young Lions next.

“The three points against CYL is a must to keep pace with the leaders. If we can get the three points we will be throwing ourselves about for the title,” said Sundram.