Friday, April 22, 2011
Young Lions 0
It hasn't been much of a season for Young Lions in the SLeague so far. They have just one win and three goals from their opening eight games. The early season circus of Pele etc has been forgotten as the season has now become one defeat after another; the latest coming in the last minute against title challengers Home United.
Beating Geylang United 3-2, in front of Pele and Eric Cantona, seems a long time ago and things aren't about to get any easier for the team with away games against Etoile and SAFFC on the near horizon.
This is a vital year for Young Lions. And not just because a private consultant has been brought in to try and spice up things off the field. The SEA Games are at the end of the year and the Lions will be expected to form the core of that team that will try and bring Singapore glory at the biennial event.
Season so far
v SAFFC 0-2 2,534
v Balestier Khalsa 0-0
v Geylang United 3-2 2,728
v Hougang United 0-1
v Albirex Niigata 0-5 1,519
v Tanjong Pagar 0-0
v Tampines Rovers 0-1
v Home United 0-1 626
To be apart from the Albirex game they won't be too upset I don't think, perhaps more so with the manner and narrowness of the defeats. Sloppy defending for sure against Geylang United, their one win so far, almost cost them three points while last time out against Home United the visitors had to wait until the last minute before settling things.
Likewise Tampines Rovers had to wait until the 80th minute before the ageless leksander Duric was able to settle things.
To put a more positive spin on things, take the 5-0 drubbing out the equation and the Young Lions have a defence as mean as any in the top half of the table.
Saturday sees them play the inconsistent Gombak United. They may well fancy that!