Home vs Tampines Player Ratings
Great Eastern-YEO's S.League leaders Home United slumped to a surprise 2-0 defeat to Tampines Rovers on Thursday night.
Goals from wily assassin Aleksandar Duric and substitute Ahmed Fahmie secured Tampines' third win of the season, and condemned a very subdued Home to their first defeat of the campaign.
In a game neither side really took by the scruff of its neck, it was the Tampines defensive unit which shone the brightest, packing their backline with bodies to stifle the threat of Home's attacking quartet of Qui Li, Indra Sahdan Daud, Shotaro Ihata and Frederic Mendy.
Home United
Lionel Lewis 6
Beaten by Duric for the opening goal and Ahmed Fahmie's rocket of a shot on an otherwise quiet night for the Protectors' custodian. Remains an impressive presence between the sticks for Home. Produced a fine flying save to deny Piskor in the second half.
Nor Azli Yusof (off 82') 6.5
Despite finishing on the losing side, Home's right-back never really looked troubled on a night when neither side really dared to win. An energetic display which, despite the disappointment on the night, still bodes well for the future.
Kenji Arai 6.5
Fully fit and recalled to the starting XI, the Japanese ace was forthright in the tackle as his yellow card for a foul on Duric proved all too well. Did, however, miss a glorious chance to level matters in the second period, failing to find the target when well placed. Will play better this season.
Shi Jiayi 6
For the most part cool and composed. Surprisingly played the first half in defence before swapping with Anzite after the break. When in midfield, the Singapore international and Home captain failed however to create the spark so desperately needed by Home as they chased the game.
Franklin Anzite 6
Began quietly but eventually started to pull the Home strings from his defensive midfield position, before switching to play at the heart of the defence as Home looked to get back into the match. Shackled Duric well during a dominant second half display.
Jeremy Chiang 6.5
A solid display from Home's ever improving left-back, who at times has struggled this campaign. Left exposed sometimes by Qui Li's unwillingness to help out defensively, but did well overall.
John Wilkinson 7.5
Carried out his midfield role to perfection. Always there and always doing the right thing, Wilkinson was the steady rock in the middle of Home's midfield. Ever willing to get forward, the former Lions star rapped the post with a wonderful 39th minute free-kick and was never afraid to shoot.
Indra Sahdan Daud 5.5
Looked strangely out of sorts on a night the former Singapore international was rarely involved. Picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Sazali.
Qiu Li 6
Generally on the periphery. His display summed up Home's inability to impose themselves on a resolute Tampines defence. Perhaps should have done more defensively - a role he, at times, seems distinctly reluctant to fulfil.
Shotaro Ihata 6
As expected from the S.League's leading goalscorer, always looked to be Home's main threat. Battled valiantly but to no avail on a disappointing night for Home's famed attacking threat.
Frederic Mendy 6
An imposing presence, Mendy, who had four goals to his name prior to this fixture, huffed and puffed but, as with Ihata, failed to find a way through the Tampines backline.
Substitute
Hafiz Nor (on 82') 5.5
Crucially was beaten by Davor Piskor in a tussle which saw the Croatian feed Fahmie to score the second for Tampines.
Tampines Rovers
Sasa Dreven 6.5
Criticised for some high profile errors this season, the Croatian custodian did most things right, but did look slightly susceptible with high balls. Will be happy to keep a clean sheet on a night when the entire Tampines defensive unit performed admirably.
Anaz Hadee 7
Neat and compact in his defensive role. Hardly put a foot wrong and was not overawed by any of Home's much vaunted strikers. Impressive, especially with a late diving header to clear the danger with Mendy lurking.
Benoit Croissant 8.5
Marshalled his defence very well. A constant chatterer in the backline, Croissant gave as good as he got throughout as he helped hold the Home attack in check. A massive factor in the Tampines victory and a player who seems to be getting better and better.
Jufri Taha 7
A combative performance from the Stags' number 3 who played a crucial role in an excellent Tampines defensive unit. Never seemed phased during a very tidy outing.
Ismadi Mukhtar 7
Another who impressed for Tampines. Gave nor asked for any quarter during a battling performance. Seemed always willing to go the 'extra mile' for the team's cause.
Mustafic Fahrudin 8
Excellent display from the Singapore international who was the driving in force in the Tampines midfield. Never shirked a tackle and was always willing to take control and drive his team - by the scruff of the neck if needs be - forward. Was instrumental in the win.
Sazali Salleh (off 62') 7.5
A great effort from the ever willing number 6. The tough tackling Tampines midfielder rarely put a foot wrong, but was perhaps a little over exuberant when picking up a yellow card for a rash second half challenge on Arai.
Imran Sahib (off 73') 7
Played on the right side of midfield and did well, doing the simple things to a high standard. Lively and always willing to drop back to help out his defence before making way in the 73rd minute.
Davor Piskor 7
Overall, a quiet outing on the whole for the Croatian who promised so much pre-season. Nevertheless, and like any good striker, he was there when it mattered most, making both of Tampines' goals - the first with a neat header to Duric, and the second with a sumptuous pass to Ahmed Fahmie.
Gligor Gligorov 6.5
Distinctly subdued, but did burst into life with a 49th minute thunderbolt that struck the upright. Still, however, has some way to go to ensure the pre-season hype that surrounded his arrival does not turn out to be bluff and bluster. Nevertheless, played his part to the full in a vital Home win.
Aleksandar Duric 7
Typically feisty performance from Duric. Sharp and alert throughout, the Tampines veteran notched the opener with an instinctive touch synonymous with his S.League career. Still a vital cog in the Tampines wheel.
Substitutes
Ahmed Fahmie (on 62') 7
Played just behind the Tampines forward line when introduced. Showed several neat touches and finished with great aplomb to register Tampines' second of the night. A clinical finish.
Ali Hudzaifi (on 73')
Decent enough, although had little time to really shine