Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Warriors FC shifted two spots in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League table as they overovertook Tampines Rovers and Albirex Niigata (S) to stay just two points behind league leaders Brunei DPMM, following a commanding 2-0 win over the Stags at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The uniformed team stepped onto the pitch after coming back from a 2-2 draw with Home United, while the Stags made it three winless games in a row after losing out to Tanjong Pagar United and being held by Albirex in recent weeks.

Agu Casmir opened the accounts in the game which kicked off at 9:15pm due to the activation of the Lightning Warning System, before Thomas Beattie made it two before half-time.

It proved out to be a game full of goal-mouth action, as both sides created a chance each within just three minutes.

Jufri Taha’s shot from outside the penalty box sailed straight to Hassan Sunny’s hands while Nicholas Velez’s tame close-range finish was equally easy for Justin Pasfield to handle.

The first goal in the game came in the 12th minute, through Agu. The former international capitalised on Abdil Qaiyyim’s failure to clear Hafiz Rahim’s lobbed pass and coolly guided the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Unfazed by the early goal, Tampines continued with their usual penetration tactics, as Jacob Butler’s finesse shot from outside the penalty area forced Hassan to a low save.

The Warriors doubled their lead in the 28th minute to relish a two-goal cushion.

Hafiz whipped in a delightful free-kick from the left corner for Nicholas Velez to head it from the far post towards Beattie, who finished it off from six yards out.

The Stags were trying to reduce the deficit before the interval but Hassan had other ideas as he pushed Shahdan Sulaiman’s free-kick wide.

Alex Weaver’s side marched out of their dressing room determined to increase the lead and confirm the victory as early as possible, while their opponents were keen to get back into the game.

Noh Alam Shah’s finish flew miles over the bar, before substitute Jamil Ali’s effort was of the same story, Tampines knew they had no way back as the clock ticked down to conclude the action-lacked second half.