[Starhub League Cup] Woodlands Crushed Out on agony...

Agony for Shariff Samat

"The penalty was the turning point of the game and we should have won the game in the first half." said Woodlands Wellington coach Salim Moin after his team crashed out of the Starhub League Cup with a 1-0 loss at home to defending holders DPMM in the semi-final.

Indeed, should that spot kick converted by Korean import Moon Soon Ho in the 28th minute, the dimension of the match would have changed, especially the visitors were deemed the less unlikely side to make it to the Saturday's final to face Balestier Khalsa for their poor form in the league of late.

Nonetheless, cup game is always different breed as compared to the league match with wins at all for the former setting and eventually saw a well-taken free kick in the second half by Hendra Azam in the 50th minute to seal the game.

DPMM celebrated after took the lead

As such, a costly error by Moon in the first half proved to be a fatal one which seems to have some damages done to the Rams confidence after which.

Still, backed by their vocal supporters in the stands, Woodlands tried and fought till the last kick of the game but to not avail and resulted a chance to repeat the glory they last did in 2007.

Atsushi Shimono (6) fought hard for ball

Moon Soon Ho (right) tussled in air

Despite the heartbreaking loss, the former Singapore international is pleased with the effort shown by his charges when he lauded their performance in the post-match media conference.

Said Coach Salim:"Both teams did not want to lose the game and we aren't defensive either in the match, I very proud of my team for making it to the semi-finals and among the top six of the league.

DPMM GK Wardun Yussof kept things in order

Final Whistle moment - relief and agony

Rams' coach Salim is proud of his boys' display

"As for now, we will have to forget about this game and try to achieve what we targeted in the first place, I am confident and have faith in my team for doing so." he added.

However, the one-time Balestier Khalsa coach also highlighted the lengthy break in between games (as how this evening match being scheduled) could be one factor led to fatigue as he opined:"I felt that resting period (in between games) is too long and it could lead to lead to staleness and complacency,"

"During this period, it has been difficult for us to arrange friendly matches to maintain the match fitness, which I think teams should have competitive games to keep the rhythm going."