Man of the match Yamaya strikes twice, promises to restore attacking brilliance

Yushi Yamaya has vowed to stay on the goal trail for Geylang International after ending his three-match goalscoring drought with a brace in a 3-1 win against Brunei DPMM in the AIA Singapore Premier League on Sunday.

Having signed for the Eagles from J-League’s Yokohama Marinos this season, the 22-year-old managed to get on the scoresheet just once during a 4-2 win over Young Lions.

And for an ambitious player like him, Yamaya felt that a goal in five starts was simply not good enough although he also had two assists to his name.

Determined to prove his worth, Yamaya turned his frustration into a man-of-the-match performance at the Jalan Besar Stadium when he struck twice within 11 minutes during the second-half play.

He first converted from the spot in the 55th minute to make it 2-0 after Naufal Azman had given the eagles a flying start in the sixth minute.

DPMM, who returned to SPL following a three-year hiatus, managed to pull one back through Abdul Azizi Rahman courtesy of a quick counter-attack move in the 61st minute.

However, Yamaya ensured DPMM’s joy was short-lived as it took him just five minutes later to secure his second goal of the evening.

This time, he completed a great play when he slid in to tap home Naufal’s cross to re-establish the visitors’ two-goal cushion. Geylang kept the 3-1 scoreline until the final whistle.

“After five games into the season, I had managed only one goal, so both the pressure and nervousness actually started to kick in,” said Yamaya.

“To be able to end the brief drought and scored two goals for Geylang, I’m really happy.”

The win helped Geylang return to winning ways following a two-match losing run and head into the international break in a commendable third spot.

The Eagles are just three points back of leaders Tampines Rovers and trail second-placed Lion City Sailors by two.

Although delighted with the three points in the bag, head coach Noor Ali has demanded more from his defence line after failing to keep a clean sheet yet again.

“We created chances we got the three goals, I’m happy with the performance and overall efforts from the boys,” said Noor.

“But again, I think we’re at fault for committing the same mistake that cost us in the last two games (defeats to Tanjong Pagar and Lion City Sailors).

“This is something we definitely have to work out during the international break because we have a big game coming up next against Albirex.

“We know how good they are and we really need to be better in terms of our (defensive) transitioning (after losing the possession).”

Ends.