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Home pays the price for poor finishing against Albirex

SINGAPORE - Hariss Harun marked his return to the Great Eastern Hyundai S.League after a six-year absence with an assist that led to a goal for Home United. But in the end, the Protectors earned only a point on Saturday night (April 1) as Albirex Niigata came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw at the Bishan Stadium.

Hariss Harun in action for Home United on Saturday night. Photo: S.League

Hariss Harun in action for Home United on Saturday night. Photo: S.League

SINGAPORE - Hariss Harun marked his return to the Great Eastern Hyundai S.League after a six-year absence with an assist that led to a goal for Home United. But in the end, the Protectors earned only a point on Saturday night (April 1) as Albirex Niigata came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw at the Bishan Stadium.

National vice-captain and midfielder Hariss, who is on loan with Home from Johor Darul Ta'zim for three months after his move to Spainsh third-tier side CE L'Hospitalet broke down, helped his team to take the lead in the 33rd minute when he headed down Izzdin Shafiq’s corner for Stipe Plazibat to score his seventh goal of the season.

Home, who are second in the table behind Albirex, must have then though this was going to be a good night for them as Faris Ramli doubled their lead three minutes later when he tapped in Song Ui-Young's low cross after the Korean had dribbled his way past the Albirex defenders.

And indeed, Home might have even wrapped up the game by half time if they had not been so wasteful with the chances that came their way.

In the end, they were made to pay for their misses.

On the stroke of half time, Albirex gave themselves a morale-booster when Tsubasa Sano blasted a stunning shot from the edge of the box to bulge the net as the referee blew for half-time.

The next 45 minutes was a tight affair and Home must have thought they had snucked away with the win. But Albirex had other ideas - and broke the Protectors' spirit by scoring the equaliser in the final minutes of the game.

And again it was Sano who was involved, This time, he delivered a penalty for his side after he was brought down by Sirina Camara in the box. Kento Nagasaki then stepped up and scored to save Albirex from defeat.

After the game, Home coach Aidil Shahrin said that he felt that fatigue had played a part in Home's misfortunes as the club's seven national players only returned from their Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain on Thursday.

“I can’t complain about the player's efforts. They had one day to rest and one day to train. They were really tired but still managed to give a good performance," he said.

"When fatigue comes in, the concentration is affected. Against a team like Albirex, you have to be at full concentration.”

Albirex coach Yoshinaga Kazuaki said he was at fault for Albirex conceding two goals in the first half.

“In the first, it’s my mistake in some tactical decision," he said. "In the second half I made some changes and the players did well in attack and I think the draw is a good result from us.”

In the other match of the night, Warriors FC edged past Tampines Rovers 1-0 with former Stags player Jordan Webb scoring in the 28th minute at the Jurong West Stadium.

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