Eagles’ three-match unbeaten run ends with defeat to the White Swans

Geylang International’s three-match unbeaten run came to an end when they went down 6-1 to Singapore Premier League (SPL) leaders Albirex Niigata at Our Tampines Hub on Thursday.

The lastest result also meant they remain fifth in the standings, three points adrift of fourth-placed Balestier Khalsa with three games left in the season.

Chasing their second successive SPL victory, Albirex drew first blood in the 40th minute when Seia Kunori capitalised on the Eagles’ defensive error in their own final third.

Just four minutes after the restart, the White Swans secured their second goal. This time, it was Shuto Komaki who scored, with his shot taking a deflection and finding its way into the net.

Riku Fukashiro, who came on in the second half, proved too formidable for Geylang International’s defence, continually providing a threat on the left flank.

He was instrumental in setting up Albirex’s third goal in the 59th minute, with Kunori easily slamming home from close range for his second goal of the evening.

Fukashiro didn’t miss his chance to put his own name on the scoresheet either when he made a surging run to slot the ball into the open goal at the back post in the 78th minute.

Just a minute later, the Eagles were made to pay dearly for their lapse in concentration. After being dispossessed in the middle of the pitch, Keito Komatsu nearly scored a spectacular goal, but he struck the left post.

However, the White Swans did secure the fifth goal they were hunting for. An unmarked Kunori followed up on the rebound with a powerful strike, leaving goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah no chance.

Yushi Yamaya finally broke the duck for the home side in the 82nd minute, beautifully heading in a cross from Arshad Shamim. However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal.

A minute into stoppage time, Kunori earned his fourth goal with a header, completing the rout for the White Swans.

With the win, Albirex are now just one victory away from retaining the SPL title. They are eight points ahead of the second-placed Lion City Sailors.

Geylang International’s head coach, Noor Ali, admitted his side were powerless to stop their formidable opponents.

“We played well for the first 40 minutes until we conceded the first goal. This Albirex side, they are fitter and stronger,” said Noor.

“They brought in a formidable number nine (Fukashiro), who changed the game for them. He beat our players one-on-one and gave us a lot of problems on the left side.

“It’s not just the number nine, but their number seven, number ten as well. They are a team with so many quality players, all capable of scoring goals.

“Still, it was good to see that the boys created some chances and tried to play positive football against the defending champions.

“You cannot take that away from the boys. Even when we were four and five goals down, we still pushed forward and tried to get a goal.

“Of course, the result was not good for us, but I think what’s important is to take the positives from the game and regroup as we get ready for our next match against Balestier.

“The fourth place is still up for grabs; we’ll see how it goes.”

Ends.