Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Tanjong Pagar United finally claimed a win after more than two months without tasting victory in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League, as they deservedly beat Woodlands Wellington 2-0, thanks to second half goals by Monsef Zerka and Hafiz Osman.

The game started off without any side gaining the upperhand, as both sides were trying their best to keep the ball around and penetrate when allowed space.

However, the whole of the first half was pretty much action-less, as Chang Jo Yoon’s effort five minutes into time was the only real chance of the half.

A long ball by goalkeeper Yazid Yasin was well received by Fadhil Noh as the striker laid it off for Chang before the South Korean’s left foot effort rolled past the post.

Woodlands were efficient in their movements especially in midfield where Atsushi Shimono, Taufiq Ghani and Shafuan Sutohmoh were doing well in sweeping balls to the flanks.

As for the Jaguars, they did struggle throughout the half to dominate play and never tested Yazid at all.

The second half proved to be an exciting one in contrast to the first, as both sides begun to conjure up opportunities.

Ten minutes into the restart, Moon Soon Ho’s half-volley from just outside the penalty box was tipped over the crossbar by Aurelien Herisson.

In the 60th minute, fortune was knocking on the doors of the Jaguars as they drew first blood through a superb effort.

Zerka pulled off a curling shot out of nowhere which reached the top corner of the net from 20 yards out.

Shocked that they conceded a goal after defending well to deny their opponents any chances prior to that, the Rams started trying to fix things and equalise as soon as possible.

Some good work by Chang on the right side allowed him time and space to release Milos Jevtic, who struck a low finish from 15 yards which was parried away by Herisson minutes later.

The Serbian defender had another chance but he was denied once again as his dipping header off Moon’s corner got saved by the custodian’s fingertips.

Chang had a good chance to score when he did well to take the ball away from his marker with a flick before following it up with a volley from an acute angle but it was denied by Herisson, before Moon’s follow-up hit the wrong side of the net.

Looking to seal the match beyond the Rams’ reach, the Jaguars went on a flurry of attacks in the closing stages of the match.

Although Sebastien Etiemble’s effort was parried by Yazid Yasin, the French midfielder eventually snatched his team’s second goal of the night in the 80th minute.

A weak corner by Taufiq was cleared by the Jaguars defence and a quick counter-attack was concluded with Etiemble’s cross being met by Hafiz, who headed in a lead which Tanjong Pagar never relinquished.