Balestier Khalsa Underlined Their Status as Genuine Title

Balestier Khalsa: Zaiful Nizam (GK) (C), Yusiskandar Yusop, Hanafi Salleh, Emir Lotinac, Igor Cerina, Zulkiffli Hassim (Hazzuwan Halim 60'), Ridwan Jamil (Poh Yifeng 76'), Robert Pericic, Tarik Cmajcanin, Ignatius Ang, Miroslav Kristic

Brunei DPMM: Wardun Yussof (GK), Sairol Sahari (Maududi Hilmi 68'), Brian McLean, Paulo Sergio, Hendra Azam (Azwan Saleh 46'),  Joseph Gamble, Rosmin Kamis (C), Boris Raspudic, Aminuddin Zakwan, Rafael Ramazotti, Shahrazen Said.

Balestier Khalsa underlined their status as genuine title contenders for the S.League Great Eastern Yeo following a 2-1 victory over league leaders Brunei DPMM.

The victory was reducing the gap between Balestier and DPMM for three points, as the Tigers climbed to third, level with FC Warriors with 29 points but ahead on goal difference.

Balestier can easily enjoy a comfortable lead at the end of the first half, but they failed to rule out the possibility that came their way.

Zulkiffli Hassim blasted over from close range in the first minute, while Miroslav Kristic screwed his shot wide from six yards after breaking free from the backline in the seventh minute.

The hosts did open the scoring in the 13th minute, with Robert Pericic on hand to tuck away the rebound after Wardun Yussof had parried a shot Yusiskandar this Yusop.

However, they continued to be wasteful in front of goal, with Ignatius Ang blazed over from just inside the box in the 18th minute.

Kristic also guilty missed a gilt-edged chance as he hit the woodwork after Ang had found him with a sweet cut-back just before half time.

On the other hand, DPMM struggle to separate from the test Zaiful Nizam Rafael Ramazotti effort in the 28th minute, the custodian did well to push away.

Shahrazen Said had a glorious chance to level matters in the 57th minute, but he sent his effort wide after just Zaiful to beat.

This allows Balestier doubled their advantage in the 59th minute, with Kristic beat three defenders to get away a shot that goes through the place.

DPMM misery is then further compounded in the 79th minute, with Joe Gamble receiving his marching orders following an illegal tackle.

Enjoying numerical superiority, Balestier able to pour forward in numbers but Kristic and Ang rejected the possibility that came their way during the final moments of the match.

Miss them proved to be important although Paulo Sergio scored right at the death, as the referee immediately blew for the final whistle.