Ooops.. They did it again.

This is the third time that DPMM FC has fallen behind but stole the show, late in the game. DPMM FC’s third match has proven that they are the comeback kings of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League after the home side registered another priceless 3 points late in the game. DPMM FC’s import player Ivan Jerkovic scored the winner in the 86th minute, courtesy of a penalty kick. The victory is a sweet revenge for their loss in the Singapore Cup in their last encounter.

It was another nerve wrecking moment for DPMM FC players, the coach and their fans. The match failed to live up to its expectation and DPMM FC seemed to have taken the pedal off the gas. Coming from a 2-1 victory over Super Reds in mid-week, pressure was on the home side to deliver another three points. Despite the constant threat in the second half, DPMM FC rarely troubled the keeper apart from the two-penalty opportunities and a Shahrazen header that skidded off the post, all in the second half.

Hamid still need to prove a point
Sairol enjoying the 30 sec ride
Rosmin misses penalty

Precious Emuejeraye and Daniel Hammond have been dominant in the back line for Woodlands Wellington and their combination had thwarted DPMM FC’s momentum in attack in many occasions. However, both defenders gave away penalties where one proved to be the winning goal for DPMM FC. Precious, the Singapore National player, tripped the less influential Oh Dogg Yi in the box in the 47th minute. However, Rosmin’s spot kick was saved by Woodlands’ captain Rezal Hassan, much to the relieve of the visitors.

However, late in the game, new signing Hamid Berguiga squeezed through the flat footed Woodlands’ defence before being brought down clumsily by English Daniel Hammond in the box. Jerkovic was the beneficiary of the penalty kick, making no mistake from 12 yards in the 86th minute. The goal gave a much needed lift in what was a dull, colourless match as DPMM FC protected their 2-1 lead till the final whistle.

Woodlands produced some attacking threats but they couldn’t break down the solid defence of Yussof Salleh, Rene Komar and Sallehuddin Damit. Oddly enough the visitors scored a bizzare goal early in the game. In what was a fortunate goal, Ismadi Mukhtar of Woodlands guided his freekick towards the box but his teammates missed to connect the cross and the ball took a bounce before crossing the line to give Woodlands Wellington a 1-0 lead with just four minutes gone.

Sairol Sahari, DPMM FC’s full back, scored a rare header goal to equalise Woodlands’ opener in the 8th minute. Rosmin delivered a long corner kick and forced keeper Rezal Hassan to drop the ball towards Rene Komar’s path and the Croat crossed in for Sairol to head in the equalising goal.

Nice set of lenses…
The long, moving queue

The result will probably change the mindset of other teams that the old DPMM FC are not the same as before, finishing 3rd from bottom last season in the Malaysian Super League. As of now, DPMM FC are sitting comfortably in 3rd place while Woodlands Wellington are three games without a win (third from bottom).

DPMM FC’s coach Simunic was content with the 3 points. He added, “I don’t think it was a freekick (which led to the goal). The game was quite opened and I’m surprised that we are in 3rd position. Now we have to focus on our next game (Geylang) and forget about this match and move forward.”

DPMM FC now face an uphill task of 7 away matches in 9 upcoming games. Woodlands Wellington haven’t had the brightest of start with two draws and one loss so far. With the new arrival of their Algerian import player, Abdel Hamid Berguiga, the coach will have plenty of attacking options.

GameCast for DPMM FC vs Woodlands Wellington