Happy for a break

The Tampines Rovers coach Nenad Bacina was glad his side could finally rest after a gruelling schedule.

The Tampines juggernaut rolled on relentlessly, capturing a solid 3-0 win over a workmanlike Hougang United after a vital change had been made by Stags coach Nenad Bacina soon after the hour mark.

Bringing on the free-scoring Aleksandar Duric proved the catalyst for victory for a side that had run out of fresh ideas to combat a watchful Hougang.

“In the first half our passing was slow,” Bacina observed. “That allowed Hougang to slow the game to a pace that suited them.

“In the second-half we moved the ball much faster, and it made a big difference. After we introduced Duric, we were more composed.”

The Tampines boss was also glad for the upcoming break his side will enjoy after a grueling schedule so far this season.

“We had a tiring game against Geylang International just three days ago, so the players will welcome the break after this match,” Bacina said.

“We [have] played 19 matches this year already while most of the other teams have only played 12, and playing those extra seven games was hard for us.

“In this match, at times, Hougang had 10 players behind the ball and we had few scoring opportunities.

“The three points are very welcome, continuing our good run and after this I am giving the players three days off as we don’t play again for 15 days.

“I’m sure the players are sick of the sight of one another and of me, after being together for three months without a break, so if any of us meet in the street I’ll not be surprised if we ignore one another!”