10-man Tampines Rovers beat North Queensland Fury in football friendly

Story by Alan Chiang/Red Sports. Photos by Koh Yizhe and Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

Jalan Besar Stadium, Sunday, May 31, 2009 - Fathi Yunus scored the only goal of the game as Tampines Rovers FC overcame new Australian League outfit North Queensland Fury FC.

There was much hype surrounding the appearance of former Liverpool player, Robbie Fowler, whom many fans had sacrificed their time and money to see in action. To their dismay, he was not even featured on the substitutes list as he apparently picked up a groin injury during a training session.

The 3000 fans at least had a chance to hear him speak. After the game, he said, "It's been fantastic in Singapore and I would like to congratulate Tampines for the good game played."

Tampines Rovers FC had to contain the Australian side for most of the second half as they had last man Shariff Samat sent off after he held on to Ramone Close.

Tampines Rovers began the match with much aggression and within the first 38 seconds, Qiu Li had a great chance to draw first blood after a inch-perfectpass from Ridhuan Muhamad. But his shot was easily parried by the Fury goalkeeper Justin Pasfield.

North Queensland Fury had their fair share of attacking options when a long free-kick found Gary Wales in the penalty box. However, he failed to convert it and goalkeeper Hassan Sunny didn’t even need to move.

Qiu Li had a commendable game after he was switched to the right flank. After the quarter of an hour, his dribbling skills dazzled left-back Chris Tadrosse but no one was able to capitalize on his effort and meet the in-swinging cross.

Tampines Rovers dominated possession but had nothing to show for it as both teams walked off tied 0-0 at half-time.

The match sprung into life in the second half. After five minutes, Tampines Rovers were reduced to 10 men as Shariff Samat was penalized for holding back Ramone Close. Brendon Santalab wasted the resulting free-kick as his shot was way off target.

Minutes later, Tampines Rovers were left with no outfield striker when Noh Alam Shah was substituted. Moreover, they were playing more defensively and waiting to pounce on counter-attacks.

With 14 minutes to go, fortune smiled on Tampines Rovers when a precise through ball by Edward Tan found Fathi Yunus in the penalty box. Fathi He made no mistake in front of goal as he tapped in to the bottom left corner, out of reach of goalkeeper Justin Pasfield.

Fans started chanting the name of Robbie Fowler throughout the stadium shortly after the goal was scored but the ex-Liverpool man could only sit and watch his new team play.

North Queensland Fury picked up the pace in the final minutes of the game but they were let down by their poor finishing in front of goal and Tampines Rovers held on to win the game.

North Queensland Fury coach Ian Ferguson explained Fowler’s absence after the game.

"Robbie felt sore after a run during a training session earlier, which was confirmed as a groin injury,” he said.

He added, "I understand that he is a very famous player in Britain and he will definitely attract the media. But North Queensland Fury is not a one-man team."

R. Sasikumar, organizer of the friendly match was as disappointed as many fans who turned up at the stadium.

He said: "Of course I am absolutely disappointed that Robbie is not playing tonight."

"As human beings, we have to take health into consideration even though everyone wants to see him (Robbie Fowler) play," he added.

The performance of Tampines Rovers was a highlight for Syed Faruk, the team manager.

"I am surprised with the boys today. They were more aggressive and I guess they really wanted to test themselves against a stronger opposition," he said.

He added: "As representatives of Singapore, we have shown that we can compete at a higher level."

Match Statistics:
Tampines Rovers FC 1 North Queensland Fury FC 0
Fathi Yunus 76"

Starting Line-ups
Tampines Rovers FC: Hassan Sunny, Shariff Samat, Riduan Mudhamad, Satria Mad, Akihiro Nakamura, Noh Alam Shah, Qiu Li, Zulkarnaen Zainal, Benoit Croissant, Fahrudin Mustafic, Seiji Kaneko

North Queensland Fury FC: Justin Pasfield, Robert Middleby, Chris Tadrosse, Jason Spagnuolo, Daniel McBreen, Brendon Santalab, Beau Busch, Fred Agius, Gary Wales, Brett Studman, Osama Malik