Reds Hang On
Ouyang Almost
Grilled were held to a score draw by L1verpool, a result that didn't help either team much in their respective quests for a top-half finish and relegation avoidance. Transfer-listed defender Sid sat out yet another game as Grilled continued with their classic 3-5-2 against the defensively-minded visitors, who probably were more concerned about their Singapore Cup semifinals against Shingen's Marauders at this point.
Despite L1verpool's modest performances this term, Grilled have not had it easy against them as they only won by a solitary MacKinnon goal in the reverse fixture at Anfield. They appeared on course for a repeat after a mind-numbingly dumb first half-hour, where L1verpool had more of the attack, but little enough creativity. It was left to
Nawaz Talib to collect his first goal of the season, after Rotteveel cut out the opposition defenders and left the Pakistani with just enough space for a good look at goal.
L1verpool should really have levelled matters three minutes later, no thanks to some horrendous decision-making by the usually rock-solid
Han Lik-Tsun. The Grilled captain somehow stood off a non-threatening cross by Chye Yew-Hon down the left, allowing Mahmoud a free header to the unmarked Tuomas Rahja, who came in from the middle. The central defender could have struck with no more power, but thankfully it went straight to Valdir who directed the force groundwards.
This happy state of affairs did not last, and soon after the restart, midweek goal hero Gao Chor-Wai released lone forward Ouyang Than Tai. Grilled's defenders looked to have him covered, but the 25 year-old simply hit the ball wide, then arrowed a magnificent effort through Árva's legs and right into the top corner, with Valdir faultless.
There were still chances to take the tie, and Subri wasted perhaps the best of the lot when he rushed to connect with a decent cross from the otherwise lethargic Penati. Ouyang Than Tai thought he must have won it for his team when he fell in the Grilled area under some contact from Talib, but the referee didn't buy it to Ouyang's consternation. Half a minute of loud protestations later, the referee had no option but to book the L1verpool goalscorer for dissent.
