Sailors waiting on how the wind blows for Stipe

Hougang 1 Lion City 3

Down the final stretch of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, Lion City Sailors' hunt for their first title was handed a boost as they ran out 3-1 winners against Hougang United yesterday.

But they will be sweating over the fitness of their league top scorer Stipe Plazibat (14 goals), who was withdrawn by coach Aurelio Vidmar in the 38th minute as a precaution for a "hamstring pinch".

With five games remaining over a 14-day stretch, starting with Sunday's high-stakes clash against Albirex Niigata, Vidmar is adopting a wait-and-see approach over the next few days.

"Of course, it will be a big loss for us if Stipe cannot play, but we also have players who are ready to step up when called upon," he said.

The Sailors are third on the table, with the top two spots occupied by Albirex and Tampines Rovers, who beat Balestier Khalsa 2-0 and Young Lions 3-1 respectively in matches elsewhere yesterday.

Albirex lead the SPL on goal difference as they and Tampines have 20 points from nine games, with the Sailors three points back.

Geylang International overtook Hougang for fourth place after beating Tanjong Pagar United 2-1.

At Hougang Stadium, the Cheetahs expectedly set up shop to frustrate, starting with a five-man defence and without a natural striker.

They could have taken a surprise lead in the 11th minute when Hafiz Abu Sujad was released by Fabian Kwok on the left, only to be closed down quickly by Sailors goalkeeper Hassan Sunny.

Their profligacy was punished just one minute later when Gabriel Quak picked himself up after being fouled by Charlie Machell to plant a free kick beyond Ridhuan Barudin.

Despite making several big saves, Ridhuan could do nothing to stop the Sailors from expanding their lead with a sweeping move in the 58th minute, when Hafiz Nor polished off Aqhari Abdullah's square pass.

Shahdan Sulaiman killed off the tie by heading into an unguarded net in the 86th minute after Quak's shot was blocked, following a break led by substitute Shahril Ishak.

Hougang scored a consolation in added time through Machell's penalty.

Vidmar said: "It was another super effort from the team, as we controlled large portions of the game. The players showed great determination and character on a heavy pitch.

"It's good to see Hafiz score his first goal of the season, and Shahdan, Gabriel and Shahril all involved in the goals. The important thing for us now is to recover well for Sunday's game."

Hougang coach Clement Teo also praised the Sailors front line and said: "We cannot deny they have quality attackers, and once they get the opening goal, opponents who open up to try and equalise tend to get punished."