Hougang give Stags reason to cheer

TNP PICTURE:GAVIN FOO

Without even kicking a ball last night, Tampines Rovers moved a giant step closer to retaining their S-League title after closest challengers Albirex Niigata fell to a shock 3-2 defeat to Hougang United at the Jurong East Stadium.

Leading Albirex by eight points with just four games to go, Tampines now need just seven points to mathematically seal the title. Albirex coach Koichi Sugiyama, however, refused to concede defeat in the title race.