Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Balestier Khalsa coach Marko Kraljevic was extremely delighted to earn a point off Warriors Football Club after a 2-2 draw but his opposite number Alex Weaver was dismayed at the way the Tigers celebrated the result after three of their players were dismissed in the match.

“They (Balestier) got away thinking they got a good point, good performance and heroics. But they have let the league down. I thought, the yellow and red cards were right,” explained a disgruntled Weaver after the match.

“We got a bit distracted by all that and were a bit sloppy in the attacking third and did not kill them off when we should have done.

“But we were in control of the game but it was just disappointing to concede that goal (Cunningham),” added Weaver.

Although the Tigers had Yusiskandar Yusop shown the red card early in the second-half, while Kim Minho and Ridhwan Jamil were given their marching orders for a second bookable offence deep into second-half injury time, Kraljevic preferred to look at the positives from the game.

“We come back from the death with less players and down 2-1. This is excellent. Some decision, it happened everywhere. People say it is offside (Warriors’ second goal), all these coming slowly boil (heating up) and it becomes like that,” said an ecstatic Kraljevic.

“But it was not a nasty game. Many chances from both sides and beautiful game to watch. It was not rough for three red cards.”

“Our defence did very well. Last I put Paul up, Emir in midfield and play with three at the back. We have nothing to lose,” added Kraljevic.

Elaborating on his displeasure, Weaver added that his club have drilled a positive and professional mindset into the players.

“I like to make sure that we have discipline and control within games. Thinking properly under pressure and I have stressed that with these lads and also being with this club.

“The club demands that as well and we have demonstrated that very well and it is a shame that the league had to see that tonight. I feel bad for the league,” commented the former Hougang United coach.