Laudable
Third 1-1 Draw On The Trot
Grilled grabbed a hard-fought point against Winning Eleven at the newly expanded 10500-seater Gamma Stadium, which was filled to capacity as fans thronged it for the last game of the season pitting the last-placed and 6th-placed teams in IV.11. Coach
Qi Haupai had earlier on urged the players to put in their best effort in view of the upcoming two-week rest break.
Gai Chanh, never a prolific scorer, almost added to his goal in the last game as he skewed an effort just wide early on.
Despite the spirited play of Grilled players, it was apparent that there was a small difference in the teams' midfield, especially as the game wore on. Dai-Lin in particular performed below his usual high standards as he became visibly exhausted in the second half. The 31st minute saw
Chen Chiew-Yen bag his first goal for Grilled Birds, but in the minutes that followed
Tim Hobson was first put out of commission by a late tackle, and Tony Eriksson equalised for Winning Eleven.
The second half was characterised by scrappy play with no real chances, as Grilled continually broke Winning Eleven's attacking rhythm but was unable to string passes together. Rafael Garcia Sole had a quiet debut, performing adequately but without invention. Youth product Ong Tan, also on his debut, impressed in defence as he earned his No. 17 shirt.
