Eagles looking to rebound from derby defeat

Geylang International head coach Noor Ali has challenged his side to quickly get themselves back to winning ways when they visit in-form Albirex Niigata at Jurong East Stadium on Sunday.

The 4-1 home defeat by Tampines Rovers last week ended a seven-match unbeaten run for The Eagles that put them in contention for a top-three finish in the Singapore Premier League.

But Noor wants his players to prove that the outcome was just a temporary setback, although he is under no illusion that the title-chasing second-placed Albirex will be a tough nut to crack.

Albirex had just outplayed Young Lions 7-1 on Wednesday to move a point within leaders Lions City Sailors, serving a quick reminder to Geylang on the 8-2 mauling in the previous fixture.

“The team didn’t perform anywhere near to our true ability last week and we got beaten,” said Noor.

“We know the level of football that the team are capable of playing, otherwise we would not have enjoyed the unbeaten run that ended because we underperformed for just a game.

“We fought hard to steady the ship following a difficult start, we must not let one setback undo all the good works.

“The onus is on us to get back on our feet right away.”

The odds are heavily stacked against Geylang as they have not tasted success in the last seven league matches against the White Swans, losing six of them, since they last won 1-0 at home in July 2009.

Albirex, powered by Young Lions’ hotshot Ilhan Fandi, underlined their title credentials recently by winning four of their last five matches, including 4-2 over Lion City Sailors.

Noor, however, believes the Eagles can turn the table on the White Swans.

“Albirex are undoubtedly the heavy favourites this weekend, they did not just win but have been scoring a lot lately too. We need to mark Ilhan very closely,” said Noor.

“But we’re not going Jurong East Stadium to defend. We intend to take the game to them and give them a run for their money.

“The boys are fired up to put the heavy defeat in the last match (in May) behind them.

“We will come up with a formula to get the better of them.”