Home United cling on to hope

Home United cling on to hope

They sit fifth in the table, five points off top spot with only three games to go.

But Home United coach Lee Lim Saeng is confident of catching up with leaders Brunei DPMM.

Ahead of tonight's crunch clash with Warriors FC, he told The New Paper via an e-mail interview: "We are at the point where anything can happen. We have not given up yet as there are three more games.

"We will definitely give it our best and try to claim maximum points, starting with the game this Friday."

Lee, who guided the Protectors to the RHB Singapore Cup final last month, has also overseen an unbeaten season over the Warriors. A 2-2 draw in August followed Home's 4-1 victory in May, and Lee is looking to continue that streak.

The South Korean intends to outplay their arch-rivals at the Jalan Besar Stadium with their brand of attractive football.

"We have to play with more intensity and be able to cope with the fast play by Warriors. Both sides have talented players," he said. "You can expect us to bring exciting and quality football this Friday."

Aiding Home's cause will be captain Noh Rahman.

The 34-year-old has emerged unbeaten in the four times he has played in Home's colours against the Warriors.

While he acknowledged that the title initiative is no longer in their hands, he promised to fight till the end.

He said: "To be honest, (winning the title) is going to be difficult.

WORK HARD

"We have three games left. We will go into all the matches with a positive mind and work hard together as a team. "Hopefully, some results work to our favour as well."

A win for Home will pull them level on points with Alex Weaver's side, who are in second place. It will also narrow the gap on DPMM to two points.

Lee couldn't help but rue his side's missed chances earlier in the season.

With the top teams slipping up regularly this season, they have had plenty of chances to take advantage but failed to do so. "It is definitely unfortunate that we were unable to capitalise on past opportunities," he said.

"However, we are focused on what is ahead and will go into every match determined to win. I think it's still anyone's title." For Noh Rahman, the match also holds special significance.

He had two spells with the Warriors, from 2002 to 2003 and 2010 to 2012, before he signed for Home last season.

He said: "Some of the Warriors players now were my teammates. But, once we enter the pitch, all feelings and friendships are set aside for the 90 minutes.

"We'll do our best to win."

We are at the point where anything can happen. We have not given up yet as there are three more games. - Home United coach Lee Lim Saeng on their title challenge

haiqals@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on Oct 17, 2014.
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