Shahrazen Said scored a dramatic winner eight minutes from time to hand DPMM FC a vital 3-2 victory over Hougang United FC in their final home game of the season until August at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

The striker, on as a substitute, helped make things interesting at the top end of the S League as the reigning holders climbed to third on goal difference and leapfrogged former third place occupants Hougang who have a game in hand.

DPMM FC's main nemesis Jozef Kaplan became a pIayer to score for three different clubs against the Brunei-based outfit after finding the net in the 59th minute.

He has previously netted for former clubs Geylang International FC in the infamous 2-2 draw notably known as former DPMM FC head coach Vjeran Simunic's final game in charge in 2013 and was identified as the scorer of the goal for Tampines Rovers which meant DPMM FC missing out on the S League title a year later.

The home side initiated a lively start in the opening minutes as Portuguese forward Paulo Sergio tested Hougang United FC goalkeeper Khairulhin Khalid with a fierce shot though it was from an awkward angle.

The visiting midfieId proved a threat but Hougang's Nur Na'iim Ishak's shot was blocked before midfield partner Fairoz Hasan picking up the loose ball saw his shot saved by DPMM FC custodian Wardun Yussof.

The hosts took the lead after Azwan Ali who contemplated on pulling the trigger deceived a defender before whipping a swerving ball to the far post which Sergio nodded home.

The 'Gegar Gegar' men wasn't far away in finding a second after Rafael Ramazotti headed wide an inviting set-piece from free-kick specialist Azwan Salleh.

DPMM FC found a second after Azwan Ali coolly fired home a powerful shot past the hapless Khalid.

Sergio collided with Hougang's defender M Anumanthan and was sent tumbling into the surface but was booked by referee Jansen Foo for simulation.

Sergio chipped a fine cross into the area but his fellow import Ramazotti could not keep his header on target as it bounced to safety.

Hougang forwards has been anonymous but new signing Stipe Plazibat provided a reminder of his abilities with a fierce drive which flew harmlessly out of play.

The legion of DPMM FC supporters sensed a third coming but Azwan Salleh could only fire a low shot into the safe arms of Khairulhin.

Sergio whipped in a teasing cross for his striking partner Ramazotti whose header was kept out by Khairulhin.

Defender Brian McLean headed the ball down from the resulting corner but Khairulhin collected the ball with both hands.

Stirred by a minority but vociferous Hougang support who drowned out an unusually quiet home crowd, Plazibat handed his side a lifeline after his free-kick expertly found the bottom corner.

Hougang substitute Iqbal Hussain spurned a glorious opportunity to draw level after skiing his effort following good work from the goal-scorer.

The visitors drew level as DPMM FC's nemesis Jozef Kaplan stunned the home defence as his shot wriggled in past Wardun much to the delight of their head coach K Balagumaran.

However, the hosts were not to be denied as local hero Shahrazen Said showed magnificent ball control before coolly smashing his shot home.

Kaplan came back again but the danger was gone when he turned his back as the reorganised home defence restricted him a good view of the goal.

The former Tampines man headed wide from close range with Hougang turning the screw on the reigning holders.

Kaplan beat the offside trap but his deceived pass fortunately was cleared away with Plazibat lurking for a tap-in.

The Hougang new signing cushioned header allowed Huzaifah Aziz through but Wardun closed the angle to deny him an opening.

DPMM FC had two goals correctly wiped out for offside late on but it need not mattered as they secured the first of eleven victories that head coach Steve Kean instructed if they were retain the S League championship.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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