SAFFC striker Indra Sahdan destroys former club Sengkang Punggol in S.League football

By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

Hougang Stadium, Monday, March 15, 2010 – Former Sengkang Punggol striker Indra Sahdan put in a superb performance against the club he played for last season as he led his SAFFC side to a 3-1 away win in Hougang by contributing a goal and two assists.

In the 77 minutes that he was on the pitch, Indra impressed with his superb hold-up play in the forward line, linking up with his midfielders and making life difficult for the Sengkang defence with his nifty footwork. His work was even more impressive as he had to plough his way upfront on his own after 1.91m Uruguayan striker Federico Martinez had to limp out after sustaining an injury in the 27th minute.

Indra scored the opening goal of the match after just four minutes on the clock as he was alert to pounce on a careless pass across his own goal by Sengkang's Jordan Webb.

Sengkang hit back within seven minutes when SAFFC defender Daniel Benett directed a set-piece played into the box into his own goal, but Indra continued his search for goals.

On 28 minutes, a cross played into the box from the right found Indra in an one-on-one opportunity with saved shot rebounded into the path of Taisuke Akiyoshi (SAFFC #21), who slammed in the rebound with his right foot.

On 70 minutes, Indra found himself crowded out by three Sengkang defenders just outside the box. He somehow weaved his way through all of them and shot with his less favoured left foot. The fierce shot was palmed into the path of Akiyoshi yet again, who took the chance perfectly by shooting into the right corner of the goal.

Indra could have got more goals in the second half, however Fadhil Salim denied him on at least four occasions.

The 3-1 victory saw SAFFC rise up to third in the S.League table with eight points from four games played, just behind Etoile FC and Tampines Rovers. Meanwhile Sengkang drops one position to eight in the table with four points from four games.

Both teams will play their next match on Thursday, March 18. SAFFC will play Gombak United at Jurong West Stadium while Sengkang Punggol will play Woodlands Wellington at Woodlands Stadium.