Tham Out, Lights Out
Farmer Bunnies' big Ruby Challenger Cup ambitions were brought crashing back down to reality today, as they were given a 0-3 hiding by Joker 9. Eyes will inevitably fall on Bunnies icon
Tham Leng Teck, after the 24 year-old was sent off in the 32nd minute, for his second yellow card.
The Buns' bold strategy of effectively fielding nine defenders to counter Joker 9 was working well enough, and
Lau Chang Wan even got the first shot on target for the day, which asked for a huge save out of Gert-Jan van Boshuizen. Chua Wei Teck would put Joker 9 ahead in the 27th minute with a screamer, however, and Tham's impatience saw him take Amani Jabal down quite horribly.
The loss of their right-wing outlet forced
Brendan Leung to try and pick up the slack, but he would unfortunately not be able to perform either of his jobs adequately. Up-and-comer Drake Kim set himself well to convert a corner just before half-time, and national team veteran Kim Ng sealed it in the 66th.
Liderhan Kadyr had a couple of late chances, but they both went wide.
Bunnies head coach
Sikong Darong was of the opinion that nothing went right for them. "Maybe Tham's tackle for his second card was bad, but his first yellow was harsh. But I don't want to point finger here - Joker 9 worked hard for their win, and we'll be back stronger for it."
He went on to set a first Division Three title as the club's next target. "There are no more distractions now. With
Abderahim Bentellis integrating well in training, we will also have striking options, as we have never quite had. I'm expecting a big, big win against AKBMH FC, to make up for this!"
