A Brighter Future
Tian Yonghang admitted that HEBFC Tonners FC were the hungrier side by far today, while retaining confidence that his up-and-coming youngsters would fare better next season. "We were not good at defending today, but a lot of that comes with experience. Congrats to Chia and Thach starting again for the national youth side in that draw against Bangladesh - you can almost watch them mature in real time!"
Lawrence, KS FC held on for a 3-2 win in their pivotal final-day match against Merlion F.C., and will now face Phantasm Hotspurs for a shot at II.3. Mayuyu AKB48 and tpyers could conserve a lot of their strength in their matches against the already-relegated Ocean's 1q and Cloud Palace respectively, and should be fresh for their own qualifiers next weekend.
Not forgetting
Chan Ze Han, of course, and even the home fans gave some approval, when the Birds legend stepped up to claim his first league Golden Boot at the age of 35 - ahead of Tan Tse Kok, Gay Ahn Soon and Yong Siong Eng, who very gamely provided Chan with an impromptu guard of honour. Chan very much appreciated the kind gesture, and dedicated the trophy to the fans.
Farmer Bunnies raised hopes of better days to come with their 1-0 victory over third-placed Brighton UK, thanks to
Edgar Popienia's first goal for them. Having just survived a near-miss and penalty call from Brighton's Fritz Goldenberger, the Argentine livewire would race to get on the end of
Amirul Jufri Khairil's delivery in the 35th minute, which turned out to be the only goal of a relatively staid match.
This left the Buns in sixth despite Forever Black Plum's 0-8 thrashing by leaguewinners Mangrove Pittas, who now face Upright Stick of Justice in their promotion game. That left WhiteSandsMechs's own 9-0 over relegated Zibaye_Khofteh inconsequential, with Really McCoys also glutting on goals in their 7-0 steamrolling of once-proud The EV. The Buns should however be heavily favoured against semi-pro opponents Temasek United, in their qualifier.
Grilled International had no real contest against a second-placed finish in V.56, as they disposed of closest competitors Ortega&Cabrerizo - eleven points off before the game - by seven goals to nil.
Osertz Indurain and
Zaini bin Hj Kaling had two each in a foregone conclusion, and International's biggest question will probably be whether Twisted Bliss go up - or if FC Bojons manage to keep them down.
