Written by: Muhammad Yazid
After a run of 10 consecutive losses in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League 2014 season, Harimau Muda claimed its first points of the season by condemning Woodlands Wellington to a 1-0 defeat.
The win clearly delighted Harimau coach Razip Ismail, who was preparing for the worst and had hoped for a draw.
“We were going for a draw at least to claim our first point of the season and we did not expect the win, which is a bonus,” Razip exclaimed.
“I am very happy tonight because finally we have gotten our first three points and I hope this is just the beginning.”
Razip was convinced the win was not a fluke, and firmly stated his team had showed up and deservedly claimed maximum points.
“We deserved it right from the first whistle because we had great determination,” he said.
“Towards the final whistle we kept our composure so I am convinced to say that we were the better team throughout the game.”
“In the last season, we already won our second game. But this season, the win came very late.
“It was our persistence and belief which has helped us achieve this win.”
Woodlands coach Darren Stewart was absent during the post-match press conference, and instead sent assistant coach Hatta Ali as his representative.
Referring to the result as a ‘surprise defeat’, Hatta praised his opponents for outperforming the Rams.
“My team played well, but that clearly was not good enough,” Hatta said.
“Credits to Harimau, they controlled the game so well and defended with discipline.”
Hatta also admitted he was disappointed that the players were not able to grab an equaliser in the last quarter of the game.
“Every player worked very hard to clinch a goal in the last few minutes but Harimau’s defence was just too compact.
“Sometimes you are unlucky in football and a deflected goal you concede changes everything,” he concluded.