| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC equalised three times in a seven-match thriller but left the Jurong West Stadium empty-handed as their 4-3 defeatallowed the resurgent Tampines Rovers FC to cut the lead at the top to seven points in the race for the S League title.
The hosts started promisingly with Jordan Webb lashing his shot over the bar from close range in the third minute.
Billy Mehmet then invited Fabian Kwok with an opportunity whose snapshot at the edge of the box was tipped away by DPMM FC shot-stopper Wardun Yussof.
Tampines marquee signing Jermaine Pennant set up Fazrul Nawaz who was through on goal but became the latest culprit of another missed opportunity.
The visitors did have the ball at the back of the net but defender Brian McLean’s header was ruled out due to infringement.
DPMM FC winger Azwan Ali (left) tries to fend off a challenge from a Tampines Rovers player during their S League match – S LEAGUE
Paulo Sergio’s free kick was tipped wide by stand-in goalkeeper Joey Sim with first-choice Izwan Mahbud unavailable to start.
The Portuguese forward nearly gifted the visitors the lead but combative midfielder Yasir Hanapi intervened with a timely clearance.
Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti struck a powerful shot but Joey did well to steer the ball away to safety.
The hosts finally made their chance count after Jordan Webb cut the ball inside the box as Nawaz made amends with his earlier miss to give Tampines a deserved 1-0 lead.
The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men found an equaliser six minutes later in the 43rd minute after Azwan Ali curled a beautiful shot leaving the brilliant Joey unmoved.
However, DPMM FC were barely on level terms as Webb headed home a finely taken delivery from set piece expert Pennant on the stroke of half-time.
Tampines replicated their strong start in the second half but Wardun decisively rushed from his box to deny Hafiz Sujad from close range.
The visitors found the equaliser for a second time after Azwan Ali’s cross was nodded home by Ramazotti.
The Stags got their noses in front as London-born striker Mehmet stabbed home a well-taken Hafiz’s cross from two yards out.
Sergio intercepted Afiq Yunos before teeing off for Ramazotti who slammed home for his second goal of the game.
However, Pennant reignited his team’s title chances after perfectly combining with Hafiz- his second assist of the match- before drilling his shot past the on-rushing Wardun for the winner.
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