Written By: Muhammad Yazid

Woodlands Wellington’s 1-0 win over Tanjong Pagar helped the Rams earn their first win of the season while the Jaguars extended their losing streak to three games

Taufiq Ghani’s solitary goal was all it took to send Woodlands’ players and fans over the moon.

Coach Darren Stewart could not have been happier with his charges as they displayed a resilient performance to remain on sixth position, with only one point separating them from Hougang United.

“I am very delighted, not for me but for my players and the club. The boys worked extremely hard in training and it has paid off now, after three games of draws,” Stewart said.

“We had a great defensive team show and our defensive shape was of a different class.”

Stewart was also pleased his charges did what was required of them even though he took a gamble by fielding players who lacked match fitness.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. We had 4-5 players who haven’t started any game this season and we played them in the starting line-up,” he said.

“Main thing we emphasised since the last game was to keep a clean sheet and we did. Tonight our tactics were spot on. If we put in the effort like tonight, we deserve something from the game.”

Stewart’s opposite number, Patrick Vallee, was very upset with his third loss in a row.

“We did quite well on our part but we were missing certain elements,” Vallee admitted.

“We played and built up well as we wanted. But sadly, we were not accurate, especially in shots from the penalty area. We have to be more focused on what we do, whether it’s a pass or a shot. We missed that.”

However, the tactician was contented with the mental strength his players displayed in trying to make a comeback.

“I like the mindset of my players; they never gave up and did their best,” the Frenchman said.

“I do not want to criticise my team. Maybe if this is my old squad, the result would have been different. And many of my players are out, but then again I don’t want to give excuses because every club has injury problems. We must not give up and start bouncing back.”