Etoile shine in S.League

By Chee Seong - AFF Singapore correspondent

Etoile FC put a nightmare loss to Courts Young Lions a forthnight ago behind them with two convincing wins over basement clubs Woodlands Wellington and Tanjong Pagar United.

The Stars (as Etoile are known) celebrated the appointment of a new Chairman in style as they picked up the maximum points on offer. This also puts a smile back on the face of Etoile's faithfuls who have been in the doldrums ever since the infamous brawl involving Etoile and Hougang.

New signing Kamel Chaaouane marked his debut with the opening goal in the win against Woodlands. It was Woodlands Goalkeeper who stole the headlines though, his blunders allowing the Stars to go 3-0 up at the break thanks to another brace by Jonathan Toto. 

Woodlands battled back strongly but Etoile proved resolute in defence.

Geylang United picked up its fifth win in as many games after overcoming Woodlands and Tanjong Pagar with two 1-0 wins.

Striker Jung Hee Bong got the solitary goal against Woodlands while Mubarak Ahmad's first touch goal, seconds after coming on as a first half substitute claimed all three points for the Eagles. Mike Wong's side have gone 450 minutes without conceding a goal and they're now in 6th position on the ladder with 26 points.

Albirex Niigata (S) overcame a stubborn Balestier Khalsa side by a goal courtesy of Tatsuro Inui in the first half. Albirex further strenghtened their grip on fourth spot after this win.

The Japanese club, which is based in the West, are looking at the best ever finish in their S.League history.

Hougang United clawed back from two goals down to sink Gombak United who saw Wahlid Lounis sent off for a over the knee challenge. Ruhaizad Ismail and Park Kang Jin put the Bulls on top at the break.

The Cheetahs came back strongly in the second half however. Jordan Webb first rose highest to meet a Carlos Delgado free kick before Wahlid was given his marching orders. Substitute Sobrie Mazelan then scored a brilliant team goal in the 79th minute to level things up.

As the game looked headed for a draw, Jordan Webb capitalised on a defensive mix up to seal all three points for the Cheetahs. It was Jordan's 11th goal of the season.

Hougang gave full debuts to Vitor Borges and Shahril Alias who were signed during the transfer windows.

Results

Tanjong Pagar United 0-2 Etoile FC
Geylang United 1-0 Woodlands Wellington
Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Balestier Khalsa
Hougang United 3-2 Gombak United
Tanjong Pagar 0-1 Geylang United
Etoile FC 3-0 Woodlands Wellington

Round 20 fixtures

4 July 2011:

Gombak vs Albirex

5 July 2011:

Balestier Khalsa vs Tanjong Pagar United

6 July 2011:

Home United vs SAFFC

7 July 2011:

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Hougang United

Woodlands Wellington vs Courts Young Lions

8 July 2011:

Tampines Rovers vs Etoile FC

9 July 2011:

Tanjong Pagar United vs Gombak United

10 July 2011:

Woodlands Wellington vs Balestier

SAFFC vs Hougang United