Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Pictures: Courtesy of Singapore Premier League
DPMM FC are looking to get back on track when they take on Home United FC at the Bishan Stadium to begin their third and final round of the Singapore Premier League today.
The leaders are coming off their second defeat of the season after falling 3-1 to Hougang United FC on July 19.
However, they still hold a three-point lead at the top of the standings after Albirex Niigata FC (S) fell 1-0 to Geylang International FC last night after a last gasp winner by Zikos Chua.
“It being only the second one (loss) all season is fantastic. We are fine and really enjoying it as we are top the league,” said DPMM FC coach Adrian Pennock in an interview with BruSports News on Thursday.
“There is no pressure on us and I make sure there is none on the players.
“We have done unbelievably well and only just to lose two games in the first 16 games, it is a great achievement for the players but we are not finished yet,” he added.
“The players are in a fantastic mood. We are disappointed we lost against Hougang but we just have to lick our wounds and move on before our next game,” continued the former Stoke City coach.
The fixtures haven’t been kind for DPMM FC as this matchup against the Protectors is their sixth away match in seven in over two months.
“It is our 6th away out of 7 games on the spin and I think that is very unfair,” said Pennock.
“We are very strong at home. People may say we will have a good run in but we could have been arguably more points ahead if we played more home games.
“Home United will be the first out of the six that will be on grass as the other five have all been on astro turf and it is taking its toll,” he added.
“Fixtures haven’t been kind. Refs haven’t been kind. But we were up against it.
“Eventhough it was tough for us, again the boys showed much strength and character.
“We have got fantastic togetherness here. The whole club, not just the players. We talking about from HRH all the way down to the kitman here,” continued the Englishman.
DPMM FC will be without league topscorer Andrei Varankou (hamstring) and Wardun Yussof (ligament tear on finger), who leads the league with seven cleansheets, for the encounter.
Pennock is confident those filling in the positions will do well.
“We are here to be tested. This is only the first muscle injury all season which is fantastic,” said the 48-year-old.
“It is a challenge and arguably two of our most consistent players. We just have to deal with it.
“But it gives others the opportunity. I’m full of confidence for the others who are coming in in their place,” he concluded.
