S League 2011 Young Lions vs Geylang United

Man of the match Shahfiq Ghani (Young Lions #27, red) heads the ball in to give his team a 2-0 lead over Geylang United. The Young Lions, aided by a controversial goal by Shahfiq, held on with 10 men in the second half to win 3-2. (Photo 1 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

Jalan Besar Stadium, Thursday, March 3, 2011 — The Young Lions registered their first win of the season with a 3-2 victory over Geylang United.

The Young Lions scored their first after six minutes. Shahfiq Ghani brought the ball through the Geylang defense before passing it to an unmarked Fazli Ayob who sent the ball past the Geylang goalkeeper Yazid Yasin.

Shahfiq Ghani then followed with a second with a header on 18 minutes after connecting with a cross from Al-Qaasimy.

The Eagles drew level with strikes by Yasir Hanapi and Syed Thana on either side of the break. They were to fall behind again six minutes later after a controversial decision by assistant referee Manoj Kalwani who flagged to say that Shahfiq’s header had crossed the line.

The Young Lions held on for victory despite playing with 10 men for the last 10 minutes of the game after Irwan Shah was sent off for a high tackle with a straight red card. Geylang United subsitute Stanley Ng also saw red in the closing minutes of regular time after reacting to a challenge.

Shahfiq Ghani’s performance of two goals and one assist earned him the Man-of-the-Match award presented by Eric Cantona. The Young Lions next face Hougang United.

S League 2011 Young Lions vs Geylang United

Simran Saach Singh celebrates after finding one of ten stickers stuck under the seats, earning him an opportunity to have his picture taken with football legends Pele and Eric Cantona during half time. (Photo 2 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

S League 2011 Young Lions vs Geylang United

Geylang United goal keeper Yazid Yasin (#19) dives in vain to concede the first goal of the game. The strike by Fazli Ayob (Young Lions #2) from the edge of the penalty box was the climax of the early dominance over the Eagles. (Photo 3 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

S League 2011 Young Lions vs Geylang United

Eddie Chang (Young Lions #6, right) and Kim Jae Hong (Geylang United #10) having a go at the ball. (Photo 4 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

S League 2011 Young Lions vs Geylang United

Kim Jae Hong (Geylang United #10) attempts to negotiate his way around the Young Lion defenders outside their penalty area. (Photo 5 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)

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