DPMM FC coach Steve Kean (L) embracing midfielder Joe Gamble after the team's 1-0 win over Hougang United FC in their Singapore League game on Wednesday. Courtesy of S-League
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean has lifted his team back to their winning ways in the Singapore League (S-Leauge) after their two-game hiccup in March.
Kean started the season taking three straight wins before S-League champions Tampines Rovers edged DPMM FC 2-1, after which Geylang International secured a 1-1 draw against Brunei's only professional team.
DPMM FC have managed get themselves back on track again after picking up three consecutive wins in the last two weeks, and they now lead the 12-team table.
They first annihilated Young Lions (Singapore national Under-23 football team) 6-1 before handing a 5-0 thrashing to Harimau Muda B (Malaysia national Under-21 football team).
DPMM FC then defeated Hougang United FC 1-0 to put them at the summit of the 12-team league with 19 points, ahead of Tampines Rovers who sit on 18 with one game in hand.
Kean acknowledged that Hougang United were the stronger side in the first half through sending in a number of crosses which caused problems for DPMM FC, and the Scotsman felt that they were fortunate to go the break without seeing a ball hit the back of their net.
The former Blackburn Rovers manager told his players to boost their performance in the second half as he felt they were playing below par.
"I thought we were better in the second half, but I thought Hougang can consider themselves unfortunate not to get something from the game," Kean told the S-League website.
Azwan Ali Rahman scored with a header after connecting on a cross from Najib Hj Tarif at the Hougang Stadium in Singapore during the 77th minute, the lone goal eventually turning out to be the winner.
Despite Kean feeling that DPMM FC didn't put up a good show, he was still satisfied with the outcome.
"You are always pleased with the results when you win, especially when you win away from home - but I don't think we played very well," said Kean.
Kean did confess that he wouldn't have been happy if they had to leave Singapore with just one point, going on to say that DPMM FC have to try and win all their games because one point would not be something to be happy about if they want to try and win the championship.
Hougang United coach Amin Nasri shared that his team couldn't secure the point due to suspensions and injuries, according the same report on the S-League website.
Despite the loss, Amin was still proud of his players as he felt they performed well.
"We created many chances. Overall I am so pleased with their character (and) that we bounced back (after the 3-2 loss to Geylang United the week before).
"Yes we lost, but the performance tonight against Brunei, a good side, it was brilliant," added Amin.
DPMM FC's next match will see them take on Balestier Khalsa FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Friday.
Balestier are currently eighth in the table with nine points from eight games.
