Rams raring to stir up wasps' nest
WOODLANDS v BRUNEI DPMM
(Tonight, 7.30pm, Woodlands Stadium)
We've done it once, we can do it again.
That is the battle cry of Woodlands Wellington's players as they prepare to host table-toppers Brunei DPMM in their Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League clash at Woodlands Stadium tonight.
Darren Stewart's men may have won just twice in nine games this season, but one of them was a memorable 2-1 victory over champions Tampines Rovers two weeks ago.
Rams goalkeeper Yazid Yasin believes he and his teammates can pull off another upset against DPMM, also known as the Wasps.
"We'll give our best (for a win)," said the veteran yesterday.
"In the Tampines game, we worked very hard and supported one another on the pitch. That was what gave us the victory."
POTENT STRIKEFORCE
Yazid, 34, had an outstanding game against Tampines and will have to be at his best again if Woodlands are to get a result against DPMM.
The Bruneians are the S.League's most prolific team, rattling in 24 goals in just nine games, and boast the most potent strike partnership in the league.
Their "Ro-Ro" combination of Brazilian Rodrigo Tosi (nine goals) and Irishman Roy O' Donovan (eight goals) have accounted for 17 strikes already.
Yazid is counting on his good form to keep out the lethal duo.
"I'm quite happy with my performances this season, although I've made one or two mistakes," he said.
"Hopefully I can cut that out of my game for the rest of the season. DPMM are a solid team, nobody can deny that. But as long as we stick to our gameplan, stay disciplined and work hard, we can get a good result."
Woodlands will miss key defender Milos Jevtic through suspension, while striker Stefan Milojevic and captain Shahril Alias continue their rehabilitation from long-term injuries.
In contrast, DPMM have a fully fit squad. Skipper Rosmin Kamis (calf) and left back Sairol Sahari (hamstring) have both recovered from knocks and are available for selection again, according to coach Steve Kean.
The former Blackburn Rovers manager insisted that they have kept their feet firmly on the ground.
With title rivals Tampines and Home United looking vulnerable at times, there are already whispers DPMM may canter to the title, even with two-thirds of the campaign to go.
Kean said: "We've got a fixed target and that's to win the championship, so we've got to continue to work hard and not become complacent.
"The good thing is that I felt our last game (4-1 win over Balestier Khalsa last week) was our best game this season.
"So we've got to keep going and improving."
The Scot added that he is wary of the threat Woodlands pose, but said he has faith in his players bringing home three points.
"I've watched their game against Tampines on DVD and I've watched them a couple of times here too," said Kean.
"They were good with the ball, organised and very hard to break down. But we're confident. And, like I said, the signs are good."
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now