Rovers Close the Gap with Derby Day Statement

The Stags sent out a clear statement of intent on Derby Day, besting Geylang International 3-1 at Our Tampines Hub to move within four points of league leaders Lion City Sailors. In a fixture that has often been tight and tense, the Stags delivered a performance full of control, sharpness and cutting edge - exactly what was required to keep pace at the top of the Singapore Premier League.

Line-Up Changes

After a goalless draw in the opening round of the season between the two eastern rivals, Tampines knew that anything short of victory would not suffice this time. 

There were three changes to the side that trounced Young Lions in their previous league outing. Dylan Fox made his first start since returning from injury, resuming his central defensive partnership with Shuya Yamashita, who was also back in the squad. Shah Shahiran made his second consecutive start - this time at left-back - while Irfan Najeeb and Seiga Sumi returned to their usual roles at right-back and central midfield respectively.

It was also a first start for new signing Yuki Kobayashi, with the eight-time Japan International eager to make his mark.

The Stags were unbeaten in this fixture stretching back to 2023, but Head Coach Noh Rahman was well aware of the challenge ahead.

“We expected a tough match as always against Geylang,” said Coach Noh, which foreshadowed a match that certainly had its moments at both ends of the pitch.

An Early Lead

Tampines dominated early proceedings and went close as early as the 6th minute, when Koya Kazama delivered an inch-perfect cross for Hide Higashikawa, whose header was tipped around the near post.

The breakthrough, however, arrived in the 19th minute - albeit in fortuitous fashion. A clipped ball into the box intended for Trent Buhagiar was inexplicably headed into his own net by Geylang’s Nikola Ignjatovic, wrong-footing his goalkeeper. Play was briefly halted as Kazama received treatment for an innocuous head knock in the build-up, but the Stags were deservedly ahead.

Geylang nearly reacted with an equaliser on the half-hour mark after hesitation at the back allowed Nazrul Nazari to sneak in and lob Tampines captain Syazwan Buhari, but the effort sailed over the bar.

It was then Ogawa who came close for the hosts, forcing a superb save from Syazwan in the 39th minute after unleashing a powerful strike from distance. Just before the break, the Tampines goalkeeper was again alert, keeping out a low effort from a quickly taken free kick.

Despite the visitors easing off slightly, Tampines went into the interval with an earned lead, though knowing they would need to grasp control of the game for things to stay the same come full-time. 

Control And A Clinical Edge

And that they did, as The Stags took authority after the restart. In the 54th minute, this paid off handsomely, with Hide Higashikawa’s relentless pressing paying dividends as he dispossessed Ignjatovic before squaring nicely for Buhagiar to tap home.

It was a moment of significance for the Maltese, who finally opened his league account after scoring and assisting freely in other competitions with 14 goal contributions.

“Yes, I am very happy to open the account,” said Trent. “It has taken a while, but it is good to be up and running in the league. The most important thing, though, is getting the three points for the team.”

Minutes later, Tampines struck again. Higashikawa once more created space, allowing Kazama to thread a sublime reverse pass into Buhagiar’s path. The forward finished clinically to make it 3-0, taking his tally to 11 goals in all competitions.

“He could have scored one or two more,”  Coach Noh added. “But I am happy that he got on the scoresheet today. Obviously, that will give him more confidence going into the next games.”

Substitutions followed as Tampines managed the game intelligently, reshuffling their backline while maintaining control. Geylang did manage a consolation goal in the 73rd minute, with the Eagles this time at the end of some good fortune - Ryoya Taniguchi getting to the end of a miscontrolled interception, and deflecting his finish into the top corner, much to the frustration of Syazwan Buhari.

Despite late chances that included Buhagiar being denied a hat-trick and Joel Chew firing narrowly wide, Tampines saw out the contest comfortably.

This was a measured, mature Derby Day performance from BG Tampines Rovers, combining patience in the first half with ruthless efficiency after the break. For Trent, the goals were timely - but the forward was quick to credit the collective.

“I hope it kick-starts a run of form in the league,” he said. “But the team has been playing well regardless, and we’ve been getting results even when I haven’t been scoring.”

Looking Ahead 

Attention now turns swiftly to the regional stage, with Tampines set to face Buriram United in a crucial ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup clash on Wednesday.

“We can be happy tonight, but it is on to the next one,”  Coach Noh stressed. “It is about recovering, preparing again, and building momentum game by game. We are looking forward to Buriram.”

Trent echoed that sentiment.

“They’re a tough opponent, but we have shown this season that we can match up with some of the best in Asia. It is a very good test for us, and we are really looking forward to it.”

Derby Day delivered the result Tampines needed. Now comes the next challenge - and another chance to measure themselves against ASEAN’s elite.

Momentum has been built. Belief has been reinforced. And if this derby victory is anything to go by, the Stags will head into that showdown ready to test themselves against the very best.