The Unofficial Hougang United FC Supporters Blog

Friday, June 24, 2011

Match Report: Balestier 2:4 Hougang

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011
1930hrs, Toa Payoh Stadium


                        
           Balestier Khalsa   2  :  4   Hougang United
  Mark Kevin McGough (62')                    Jordan Webb (26')
     Mark Kevin McGough (65')                    Carlos Delgado (69')
                                                       Nor Ali (86')
                                                                Jordan Webb (90')

Match Attendance: 881


Photo: S-League portal
Last night at the Toa Payoh stadium could have ended with the same score line as the previous meeting between Hougang United and Balestier Khalsa, however this night turned out to be more than expected.

The Cheetahs opened the scoring with another brilliant effort by Jordan Webb. In the 26th min, the mercurial Canadian winger brought the ball into Balestier's penalty box before unleashing a long range effort that left the Tiger's keeper grasping air.

Tussles between the 2 sides came thick and fast but the score line remained 1-0 at half time.

The 2nd period proved to be a goal feast for the eyes as both sides hammered in total of 5 goals in 45mins.

Balestier drew level in 20 mins into the restart with a free kick. Striker Mark McGough the scorer, sent in a looping shot that beat Fadhil Salim between the post.

Tigers stunned the visitors by snatching the lead on the restart. Another individual effect by Balestier's new signing, McGough. The Australian ledged on to a cross supplied from the right flank; and from point blank range smashed in a low volley that left Fadhil Salim in dismay. 2-1

The turning point came when the Cheetahs were fouled just outside the penalty box. On the 70th min Carlos Delgado stepped up to the free kick and fired over the human wall, wrong footing the Balestier's keeper. Hougang United drew level at 2-2.

I would have been pleased if the scoreline reflected the previous one but the Cheetahs surprised the spectators again with some excellent display of true grit in the last 15 minutes or so. Hougang United pounced on Balestier's wavering defenses and were 2-3 up at 86th minutes.

Finding space on the left side of midfield Jordan Webb made way into the penalty box and spotting Nor Ali unmarked in the box who had the simplest of touches.

The icing on the cake came in the final minute of play with Jordan Webb notching in his second for the night. This time Noor Ali returned the favour by supplying Webb the finishing touches.

“It was a roller-coaster game,” he (Aide Iskanda) remarked.

“We showed good team work and spirit in the earlier half. A lapse of concentration let them equalise and then take the lead coming back into the game.

“But we came back, and it was the collective team work that won the game for us.”

Hougang United finishes at 7th in the S-League with this 2-4 victory. :)

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