Govic’s early goal ends misfiring Young Lions’ 3-match unbeaten run in S.League

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports.

Jalan Besar Stadium, Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - The Young Lions' three-match unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end as Brunei DPMM edged them out 1-0 in the S.League thanks to an early goal by Drazen Govic.

There were a host of chances for the Young Lions including a penalty miss by Hariss Harun in the 73rd minute, but the youngsters weren't able to convert any of them into goals, resulting in their 15th defeat of the season.

Young Lions came into the match with a three-match unbeaten run after positive results against Woodlands Wellington, Geylang United and Gombak United, but it was the away side that threatened early. Abdelhamid Berguiga's header in the fourth minute was clawed away by Jasper Chan and DPMM found the opening goal from the resulting corner.

A lapse in concentration from the stagnant Young Lions defense allowed Ivan Jerkovic's corner to find the unmarked Drazen Govic who volleyed home from 8 yards out.

Playmaker Ivan Jerkovic almost doubled the lead soon after with a free-kick at the edge of the area, but his effort was wide of the post.

It was, however, the Young Lions that controlled the game from then on. In the 17th minute, 17-year old Khairul Nizam got to Fazli Ayob's long ball before Wardun Yussof, but with the DPMM goalkeeper well off his line, Nizam failed to shoot and was closed down within seconds.

With plenty of possession, the home side crafted many half chances but nothing of note to test DPMM’s make-shift defense till five minutes before the break. Hariss Harun received the ball at the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful shot, but Wardun Yussof was equal to it.

For the second time in as many matches, misfiring Khairul Nizam was replaced at half-time, with Chinese striker Yang Mu serving as his replacement.

However, it was winger Gabriel Quak that starred for his team in the second half, constantly threatening the Bruneian's defense with darting runs down the left. His trickery almost got him on the score sheet 10 minutes into the second half. He collected a long ball at a tight angle and with Wardun Yussof closing in on him, he attempted to lob the goalkeeper, but it went wide.

In the 70th minute, captain Obadin Aikhena's had another brilliant opportunity but his strong header was straight at the goalkeeper as Young Lions pushed for the equaliser. They began to exert themselves on the game, limiting play to DPMM's half.

The pressure eventually paid off and they had the perfect opportunity to equalise when Quak was bundled over by Safari Wahit in the penalty area after he was through on goal and it was a clear-cut penalty.

Hariss Harun was chosen to take the penalty, but although he sent the keeper the wrong way, the young midfielder pulled his shot wide of the post.

Not discouraged by the penalty miss, Young Lions continued to push for the elusive leveler. Quak came close to scoring once again in the 83rd minute with a header that Wardun Yussof did well to stop, before Yang Mu had his shot blocked after holding off the defense well.

Late into the match, Hariss Harun almost made amends, but he pulled his shot wide again despite being in a good position. A fury of corners in the dying moments gave the home supporters hope, but Young Lions could not find the break through.

After surviving the Young Lions' onslaught for much of the match and escaping with all three points, DPMM head coach Vjeran Simunic was "very statisfied".

"Fortune follows the courageous!" said the Croat. "I would have been satisfied with a draw. We have won four out of five games since losing our key defenders. It is like when a restaurant loses all their cooks - we have to make cooks out of waiters. It is a miracle that we are able to do this."

He also sang praises of the Young Lions and its players, reserving special praise for captain Obadin Aikhena.

“I expect Young Lions to be a top-six side! We have played very dramatic games with them and they have six or seven very nice players. Especially Obadin, who is a very high class player.”

Young Lions' coach Terry Pathmanathan, in contrast, was visibly disappointed.

"Even a draw wouldn't be a good result!" said Pathmanathan. "We did everything right and played well, creating over a dozen chances. Just one slip-up with the early corner and we were punished. But it is a lesson to be learnt for these young players as it is a very difficult result to digest."

"It is obvious that our finishing is lacking. We are now able to create many chances but we just can't finish. Players can run through the defense for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but can't score."

Young Lions will hope to discover their scoring touch when Home United visit them on Tuesday, but they will be without the inspirational Grabiel Quak through suspension after he picked up a yellow card.