Punggol Quashed
Blistering Borup
Round Five of the Cup saw Grilled suffocate Division IV.57 team Punggol United at their 40-000 seater Field Walk Stadium, sold out for the occasion. They had come from two goals down to eliminate Division Two side LeeAce Gunners last Wednesday, so Grilled took no chance as they lined up six first-teamers.
Martinsson appeared fitter in his second game after his return from injury, but still had some chinks to work out of his system as he fluffed a fourth minute chance. On any other day he should have taken the ball past Vítor Batista, but this time he appeared unsure and opted for a mundane blast that bounced off Batista.
It didn't go too far, and after a botched clearance Wai-Kin was perfectly placed to return it into Punggol's goal. That was a cool strike by the local kingpin, who will doubtless love to do that for the first time in the league.
Punggol were still dangerous going forward, as Spanish striker Sergio Zarza packed enough genuine skill to keep Grilled's backline honest. Bona was colossal though as he wiped out any attack that got near him, and with the defence secure Spirig punched though the middle and fed Borup for two-nil.
Bona's participation came to a premature end, as Swedish defensive midfielder Andreas Alexandersson ploughed headlong into him as he came down from a cushioning header. That knocked the wind out of Bona, who also came down on the side of his foot. 33 year-old Tuan-Mu then slotted into an aged back three.
Wai-Kin tested Batista's concentration with a far-out effort, and Canadian sweeper Samuel Benoit hurt himself going after a hacked clearance trying to save a corner. Sha Chang-Yuk was an able replacement, but Borup smacked in his second on a confident volley to put it effectively beyond the home side.
Ola Martinsson bloomed in the sun after the break, as his economical movement contrasted with the valiant sprinting of the defenders. He beat Batista with a brilliant lob in the 51st minute, but was unlucky with his numerous other openings. Tuan-Mu closed it off with his 20th career goal, a deft flick slotted in off the goalie's boots.
