GEYLANG UNITED 1

(Hafiz Rahim 82)

BANGKOK GLASS 0

MOST did not see it coming.

Such was Thai club Bangkok Glass' dominance of the RHB Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium last night.

It started with a corner-kick for Geylang United in the 82nd minute. Goalkeeper Naratip Panprom failed to hold on to the ball. It went to Noor Ali, who smashed his shot against the right post. The ball bounced back towards Hafiz Rahim, whose subsequent shot hit the crossbar before a Bangkok Glass defender attempted to snuff out the danger. But he could only the clear the ball to as far as Hafiz, who made no mistake this time by guiding the ball into the back of the net.

The goal came against the run of play.

Bangkok Glass coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong was a figure of exasperation as Geylang United celebrated their 1-0 win. He lamented that his side was let down by bad luck.

He said: 'Every team that played Geylang had more possession of the ball. Geylang players are very hardworking, competitive and systematic.

'But there's that one per cent of the game based on luck, and Geylang took it.'

For Geylang coach Mike Wong, it's all about seizing the opportunity when it comes your way. He said: 'I have seen Bangkok play twice in the semi-finals. They pass the ball very well, just like Albirex Niigata and Super Reds.

'This game was much easier. The S-League games have helped us win this cup.'

Wong was happy with the win, and even more thrilled that the Singapore Cup remained in the hands of a local club.

Thai club Chonburi FC was the previous foreign side to qualify for the Singapore Cup final in 2006, when they lost to Tampines Rovers in extra time.

Bangkok Glass finished third in the recently-concluded Thai Premier League and also progressed to the last eight of the Thai FA Cup.

Long way to go

Wong confessed that his team have a long way to go to reach the standard of Home United and Singapore Armed Forces FC, who have also won this competition before.

In both 2001 and 2003, Geylang United managed to reach this stage of the competition, but were beaten twice by Home United.

But this year, despite finishing just sixth in the S-League, Geylang United managed to have a fairy-tale run to last night's final, after knocking out SAFFC and Home United in the first two rounds.

And this time, Hafiz's late effort earned his team their first RHB Cup title.

Looking really pleased with his goal, Hafiz said after the match: 'It was the most important goal in my football career. I cannot describe my feelings right now. I have waited long enough for this chance.'