Young Lions score 2nd win

Some dropped to their knees out on the pitch, while others looked up at the sky, and across the Courts Young Lions' bench at the Bedok Stadium last night, fists were raised in unison.

Aide Iskandar's charges beat Geylang International 1-0 in the Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League - for what is only their second league win of the season - and the former Singapore skipper was positively beaming.

"The boys showed belief tonight, and we must give them credit for their efforts.

After a number of games this year, the boys are finally picking up ahead of December's South-east Asia Games in Myanmar - and this just means that this expands the pool of players for the SEA Games team," said Aide.

Sherif El-Masri (right) rose unopposed to head in a Shamil Sharif freekick in the 58th minute, in a match that saw both teams fashion half-chances.

But it was the Young Lions who looked the hungrier side, as both teams struggled to stamp their authority.

Geylang ended the second round of fixtures with a loss that sees them stuck in 10th spot in the 12-team table, leaving coach V Kanan livid.

"We had chances, but we didn't deserve anything from this match," he said.

"This is one of the worst games of the season and we showed no desire, but that was not a problem at all for the Young Lions - from their goalkeeper to their frontline they all wanted to win," said Kanan.

"They deserved what they got." Aide's charges are still rooted to the bottom of the standings on nine points, 11 off Hougang United in 11th spot. Said Aide: "This is very positive, even the clean sheet. It's a big morale booster."

Get The New Paper for more stories.