Geylang International late show downs Warriors FC

In-form Geylang International picked up their fifth win in six S.League games after scoring two late goals to beat Warriors FC 2-0 at at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Friday night.

Shahfiq Ghani and Shawal Anuar netted in the space of eight minutes to ensure Eagles leapfrog the Warriors to go fourth.

It could have been all so different for the Warriors, who were led by Azlan Alipah as head coach Razif Onn was away on religious leave.

The nine-time champions almost broke the deadlock after just two minutes, but centre-back Baihakki Khaizan steered wide from a corner.

Geylang gradually settled in, with winger Gabriel Quak testing Hyrulnizam Juma'at with a decent effort on 17 minutes.

Warriors then had an excellent opportunity to go ahead in the 34th minute. Andrei Ciolacu was slipped through on goal by Hafiz Nor, but the Romanian forward fired wide with just Syazwan Buhari to beat.

Geylang ended the first half the stronger of the two sides though, and spurned two chances to score.

On 36 minutes, Shawal broke free of Geylang's offside trap to poke past the onrushing Hyrulnizam, but Warriors centre-back Kento Fukuda got back in time to clear the ball off the line.

On the stroke of half time, Victor Coto was put through on goal by Shafiq, but the Costa Rican forward contrived to fire over when it seemed easier to hit the target.

Warriors returned for the second half with much vigour, but were unable to test Syazwan until the 72nd minute. Shaiful Esah fired a low drive from distance but the Eagles custodian was equal to the task.

That paved the way for the late Geylang show as they went ahead on 78 minutes, a minute after Shawal missed a gilt-edged opportunity.

Faritz's cross from the right was completely misjudged by Hyrulnizam, leading to Shahfiq smashing home the loose ball into an empty net to put Geylang in the drivers' seat.

The Eagles sealed the three points in the 85th minute, with Shawal connecting with a right-wing cross to send a superb header beyond the flailing reach of Hyrulnizam.

The result condemned Warriors to fifth position after winning just two out of their last eight league matches.

In Friday night's other game, Hougang United edged bottom side Garena Young Lions 2-1 to strengthen their stranglehold on sixth.

The Young Lions are still waiting for their first S.League win since May 2016.

Warriors FC: Hyrulnizam Juma'at (GK), Emmeric Ong, Baihakki Khaizan, Kento Fukuda, Ho Wai Loon, Shaiful Esah (Firdaus Kasman 76'), Syaqir Sulaiman, Hafiz Nor (Ridhuan Muhammad 71'), Shahril Ishak (C), Jordan Webb, Andrei Ciolacu

Geylang International: Syazwan Buhari (GK), Faritz Hameed, Anders Aplin, Yuki Ichikawa, Darren Teh, Nor Azli Yusoff (C) (Isa Halim 46'), Ricardo Sendra, Gabriel Quak (Amy Recha 69'), Victor Coto, Shawal Anuar, Shahfiq Ghani (Ifwat Ismail 88')