RHB Singapore Cup Semi-Final First Leg

Tampines Rovers vs Balestier Khalsa

(September 21, Monday, 7.30pm, Clementi Stadium)

Written by: Kenneth Ho

Balestier Khalsa will travel to Clementi Stadium to take on Tampines Rovers on Monday in the first leg of the RHB Singapore Cup semi-final, and they will hope to finally secure a win over the Stags this season.

In the league this season thus far, the Tigers have suffered defeats in all meetings with the reigning Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League champions.

Misery was further compounded in the StarHub League Cup Plate final, when Tampines put three past Balestier to claim the silverware. Hence, Balestier should be doing everything they can to rectify this unenviable run against the Stags.

What should work in Balestier’s favour is their recent return to form. Since the defeat to Tampines in that Plate final, Balestier have won three of their last four games, with the only exception being a fantastic 3-3 draw with Brunei DPMM.

The Tigers have also surged up the table to snatch sixth place from Hougang United, in what can be described as a near-miraculous feat considering how far away the team was from Hougang initially.

Balestier will also be boosted by news that captain Paul Cunningham is finally returning to the squad after he turned out for the club’s Prime League outfit earlier last week.

Tampines on the other hand are winless in four games. Admittedly, the last three games which the Stags have drawn were against the top sides. However, the longer a side goes without a win, the more pressure there will be for the players.

They do however, enjoy the psychological advantage over Balestier this season, and that might work in their favour.

Also, despite all that has been said, Balestier will be suffering from the suspension of three first-team players, namely left back Yusiskandar Yusop, midfielder Tajeli Selamat and Ruhaizad Ismail.

Suspensions:  Yusiskandar Yusop (Balestier),Tajeli Selamat (Balestier), Ruhaizad Ismail (Balestier)

Tampines Rovers – DLDLW

17/9/14    Tampines Rovers 0-0 Albirex Niigata (S)

29/8/14    Warriors FC 2-0 Tampines Rovers

25/8/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 2-2 Tampines Rovers

22/8/14    Tampines Rovers 0-1 Tanjong Pagar United

31/7/14    Woodlands Wellington 0-2 Tampines Rovers

Balestier Khalsa – WWDWL

5/9/14        Harimau Muda 1-5 Balestier Khalsa

27/8/14    Balestier Khalsa 4-1 Hougang United

21/8/14    Balestier Khalsa 3-3 Brunei DPMM

31/7/14    Geylang International 1-2 Balestier Khalsa

24/7/14    Tampines Rovers 3-0 Balestier Khalsa (StarHub League Cup Plate Final)