Balestier Khalsa and Tiong Bahru Football Club share the spoils in goalless stalemate
Balestier Khalsa's Seri holds off a challenge from Tiong Bahru FC's Angeline Pang. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Singapore, 29 May 2022 - Balestier Khalsa took on Tiong Bahru FC in the second game of the night at Yishun Stadium on the opening day of the Deloitte Women's Premier League season.
After watching Tanjong Pagar United secure the first three points of a landmark season in Singapore women’s football just minutes before their kickoff, the two teams were hungry to follow suit and end the opening day with something to celebrate but did not have luck in front of goal as the match ended goalless despite some clear chances to break the deadlock.
Balestier Khalsa goalkeeper Hazel Lim's heroics in goal earned her the Woman-of-the-Match, earning her first clean sheet of the season. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Following a slow start to the match, in which Tiong Bahru FC dominated possession, the match suddenly came to life when a penalty was awarded.
A rash moment saw Nur Syafiqah Peer sliding in to get the ball away, only for her stray foot to catch Monessha Nair who went down and won her side a penalty. Angelyn Pang stepped up to the spot, but her shot pinged off the bar.
Tiong Bahru FC's Wang Zhen Zhu dictacting the tempo in the middle of the park. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Tiong Bahru had another chance at goal just four minutes later. Nair’s pass found Raudha Khamis who cut inside her marker. Her shot could not find the right side of the post though, hitting the outer side netting, a first of a series of guilt edged chances which Tiong Bahru FC was unable to finish off as the game went on.
Tigress goalkeeper Hazel Lim had plenty to do in the second half and made consecutive saves that would ultimately win her woman-of-the-match.
Balestier Khalsa's Syaf giving out instructions to her teammates. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Despite almost straying offside, Fukuzawa controlled the ball well and struck it on a half-volley into the top left-hand corner to give her side the advantage.
Five minutes later, the White Swans had their first real chance of the match and an equaliser beckoned. However, following a well delivered cross from the right, Nadhra Aqilah saw her strike just outside the six-yard box pummeling off the bar.
Tiong Bahru FC's Raudhah Kamis about to spread one of her cross field passes. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
After looking the more aggressive of the two the whole duration of the game, Tiong Bahru FC had their best chance on goal in the 63rd minute but it was Hazel Lim who again kept her side in the game. Raudhah’s delivery into the box was flicked on and landed perfectly for Jacklyn Lee near the far post.
Hazel Lim snuffed out the danger in time as she rushed forward to block Lee's shot before Winnette Lim’s effort on the rebound drifted wide to Balestier’s relief. Clara Lau then had another attempt on goal with a sweetly struck shot, but it was up and over the bar.
Reneelyn Riddle of Tiong Bahru FC (front) looks to escape the attentions of her marker. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
With 20 minutes to go, tired legs were apparent as Balestier’s loose pass in their penalty box found an unmarked Raudhah of Tiong Bahru FC. Her shot was on target but again met with the safe hands of Hazel Lim who snuffed out the danger by diving over to collect the ball.
Tiong Bahru Football Club were made to rue their missed chances on the night, but will look to go again next week as they go up against fresh faces Hougang United at St Wilfrid Sports Complex while Balestier Khalsa will clash with Tanjong Pagar United at Yishun Stadium off the back of their opening day win.
Balestier Khalsa making a tactical change in an attempt to swing the pendulum of the match in their favour. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
More photos from the match available in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here.
Deloitte Women's Premier League 2022
Other Match Week 1 Results
Albirex Niigata 1-2 Tanjong Pagar United Sat, 28 May 2022, Yishun Stadium
Hougang United 0-4 Still Aerion Sun, 29 May 2022, Yishun Stadium
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