Top of the table clash ends in a stalemate as a disciplined Tanjong Pagar United outfit kept the prowling Lion City Sailors at bay
Lila Tan twists and turns to dance past the Tanjong Pagar players. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Singapore, 31st July 2022 - Lion City Sailors and Tanjong Pagar played out a goal less stalemate in a spirited top of the table clash yesterday in week 7 of the Deloitte Women’s Premier League.
It was evident that the two coaches had wildly different approaches to the game. While The Sailors charged relentlessly towards goal, Tanjong Pagar United's tactics were fairly simple – do not allow the opposition a shot on goal.
The Jaguars showed some promise in their high press at the start of the first half with Yuki Monden often running at The Sailors's back line but the highly experienced defenders were calm on the ball.
More photos from the match available in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here.
A common sight last night, Madelin Lim battles it out with Nur Syazwani for the ball down the flank. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Effectively switching sides, the attacks mainly came down the right wing where Nur Syazwani and Sara Merican combined to give Tanjong Pagar’s Madelin Lim a tough time. A natural striker, Lim was made to fill in as a left midfielder for the depleted Jaguars side who only had three substitutes on the bench.
Despite the unfamiliar role, Lim held her ground well and frequently blocked off the dangerous channel between Sara, Syazwani and their hungry teammates lurking in the box.
The first real chance fell for Dorcas Chu in the 17th minute who fired a shot just wide. As the half progressed, Sara and Syazwani began taking significant control of their territory out on the wing with crosses often looking for Lila Tan.
Meanwhile, possession was scarce for Tanjong Pagar. Minami Fukuzawa, who is usually seen further up the pitch, resorted to dropping deep to try get on the ball before firing it up in hopes that it would reach the feet of Monden.
Yuki Monden chases the ball as Munirah Mohamad tries to get back in time.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Despite the run of play, Monden was a constant threat in front of goal whenever the ball did make its way into the half of The Sailors. Her footwork enabled her to dance through several blue shirts but time and time again, the final ball was missing.
Proven super sub for Lion City Sailors, Danelle Tan was brought on in the second half but unlike previous matches, she was unable to find the back of the net this time. Needless to say, the 17-year-old did give it a go multiple times.
The striker took two strong touches to cut inside before launching a curling shot on goal but goalkeeper, Nurul Haziqah, who had a brilliant game in between the sticks, reacted well to shuffle over and gather the ball in her hands.
Tanjong Pagar had all but Monden back in defence and unfortunately for them, most of the clearances went only as far as the halfway line where Ernie Sontaril was waiting to relaunch the attack.
Dorcas Chu on the ball with Rosairiani Suhairi hot on her heels.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Nurul Haziqah produced two wonder saves late in the second half, earning roars from the fans in the stands. A show of strong hands, she stopped a powerful strike coming down the middle before going on to parry away a free kick taken by Danelle.
The ball’s trajectory was read well by the young goalkeeper despite the finesse it had.
The Tanjong Pagar team thank the fans for cheering them on through the tough 90 minutes.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
It was an intense last few minutes for Tanjong Pagar who were holding on by a thread. The strong and disciplined side kept their shape and were able to close off any sort of space The Sailors had to take a shot.
The side are the first to deny Lion City Sailors all three points, with Haziqah being the first keeper to keep a clean sheet against the star-studded side.
As The Jaguars celebrated in relief, The Sailors players were left scratching their heads as the whistle blew, ending the game 0-0. Tanjong Pagar look to get back to the top next week as they take on Albirex Niigata while Lion City Sailors take the week off.
More photos from the match available in SportPlus.sg's photo gallery here.
Deloitte Women's Premier League 2022
Other Match Week 7 Results
Still Aerion 1-0 Balestier Khalsa
Tiong Bahru 1-2 Albirex Niigata Sat, 30 July 2022, Yishun Stadium
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