Super Reds delay SAFFC’s S.League title celebrations

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.

Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Tuesday, October 13, 2009 – The Super Reds denied Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (SAFFC) the opportunity to wrap up their record-breaking fourth consecutive S.League title in front of their home fans as they thrashed the defending champions 4-1.

Braces from Chang Jo Yoon and Choi Dong Soo sealed victory for the much-improved Korean side as they stole the show from the Warriors.

SAFFC had a chance to claim the title last week, but nerves got the better of them and as a result, they were outplayed by Gombak United 2-0. It was much of the same this week, with the Super Reds giving SAFFC a lesson in passing and ball movement.

An early strike from John Wilkinson gave SAFFC the lead in the 19th minute as it looked like SAFFC would take the title comfortably. Instead of going for more, however, the Warriors allowed the Super Reds back into the match with some slack defending.

After falling behind, the Koreans found themselves in the driving seat as the defending champions attempted to sit on their lead. But the Super Reds failed to make the most of the initiative, with their efforts limited to wayward shots from distance.

When they did equalise though, it was almost like a gift.

Goal-scorer John Wilkinson intercepted a stray pass at the edge of the area but instead of clearing, he gave possession back to the Super Reds. No effort was made on his part to regain possession as the Super Reds stroked the ball unchallenged outside the penalty box. The ball found its way to the wing and a resultant cross that penetrated the SAFFC defence was delivered. Jeon Byung Euk got to the end of the cross and his header set up Chang Jo Yoon who blasted it past Shahril Jantan for the equaliser.

Things got from bad to worse for the home side less than five minutes later, when a brilliant solo effort from Chang gave him his second goal of the match and Super Reds the lead.

He had sprinted down the right flank upon receiving the ball, muscling off Kenji Arai on his dribble. With another touch, he skipped past a defender in the penalty box before cutting in and placing it into the back of the net.

It was a nightmare half for the Warriors as they entered the dressing room, not a moment too soon, 2-1 down.

Much of the same followed in the second half as the Korean side outplayed the local side with eye-catching passes and runs. In the 57th minute, Choi Dong Soo caught the SAFFC defence sleeping again and he punished them with an unstoppable strike to double his side's lead.

However, more drama was to follow three minutes later. Duric was judged to have been held back by Kim Yoon Sik as he attempted to volley in the six yard box. A penalty was given but it looked like an extremely dubious decision by the referee with Duric staying on his feet.

Maybe in a case of poetic justice, Duric missed the penalty, not for the first time, after he changed his mind regarding the placement of his shot at the last moment.

Momentum was with the Super Reds at this point and they further extended their lead to a massive three goals when Arai hacked down Choi in the area ten minutes from the end. This time, there was no doubt about the penalty, as Choi picked himself up to score his second and his team's fourth goal.

SAFFC head coach Richard Bok was gracious in defeat though visibly disappointed his side could not sew up the title in front of the home fans.

"We had our chances, but we failed to take them," said Bok.

He also added in his analysis of why they lost saying: "But of course, take nothing away from the Super Reds. They played good football and they taught us a lesson in passing and movement. I don't think my defence played badly, instead their movement was just too good. They are probably the best passing team in the league and they will be a team to watch next year."

"Of course, it is disappointing not to have won the title in front of the home fans," he continued. "But I’ll have to motivate my players for the next game, and hopefully we will be third time lucky."

SAFFC captain Aleksandar Duric also commented: "Yes, I am disappointed that I missed the penalty. I keep changing my mind! I shouldn't do that! We now have eight defeats - that’s not good and this is definitely not a performance by champions."

"We have to play better in the next match and we should wrap up the title, but it wouldn't be easy against Sengkang."