S.League football: Shi Jiayi brace anchors Home United to 4-1 win over Gombak United

Story by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Weixiang and Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Jalan Besar Stadium, Thursday, May 12, 2011 — An early brace by Shi Jiayi helped anchor Home United to an explosive 4-1 win over 10-man Gombak United in an S.League match.

Captain Shi Jiayi (#7) connected with a corner kick at the 22nd minute to head in Home United’s first goal of the night. He then doubled his tally just minutes into the second half with a goal at the 47th minute.

Gombak United’s Chang Jo Yoon (#10) responded in the 48th minute, but were unable to make any significant mark from then on. Qiu Li’s (Home United #16) penalty kick in the 55th minute all but sealed Gombak’s fate, with substitute Firdaus Idros (#12) capping Home United’s streak with a goal at the 79th minute.

The match was however marred by an early sending-off of Gombak United midfielder Park Kang Jin (#19) in the 29th minute. The decision by referee Zaid Hussein was certainly a harsh one as Park was initially yellow-carded for kicking the ball away after Zaid awarded Home United a free kick. His reaction to the yellow card subsequently earned him a red card.

Fuelled by constant taunts from the crowd, tempers threatened to boil over in the second half as minor scuffles had to be broken up. Gombak United hothead Walid Lounis (#20) was involved in several confrontations during the match, notably towards Home United striker Frederic Mendy (#10).

The fracas between Walid Lounis (Gombak United #20) and Sufian Anuar (Home United #19) in the 63rd minute threatened to see the match turn into a fist fight. As Sufian and Walid got entangled after a tackle, Walid clipped Sufian in the head and tossed him into the air as the latter tried to break free. This dangerous move however did not earn Walid a caution nor a red card and the match was allowed to continue.

Sensing that the atmosphere was getting more and more intense, Gombak United coach Darren Stewart finally chose to bring Walid off in the 71st minute in a bid to ease the tension.

As the heated atmosphere eventually cooled off, Home United subsequently went ahead to seal the match. Home United now lie one point behind leaders Tampines Rovers who have 30 points with a game in hand. Gombak on the other hand remain mid-table with 21 points.