Football: Jermaine Pennant scores 1st goal for Tampines, but Home Utd hold on for 1-1 draw

Jermaine Pennant (left) scored his first goal for Tampines Rovers in a 1-1 draw against Home United. PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER

SINGAPORE - Jermaine Pennant, the marquee signing of the S-League this season, scored his first goal for Tampines Rovers on Thursday, but it was not enough to secure a win for his team against Home United.

The pre-season title favourites were held 1-1 at the Bishan Stadium in front of 3,551 spectators, as the hosts' wait for their first win of the season continued after two draws and a loss.

While the Stags dominated the early proceedings, it was the Protectors who took the lead in the 35th minute when Danish striker Ken Ilso held off a few Tampines defenders before finishing past goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.

But the lead lasted for just five minutes, as Tampines equalised through Pennant's curling free kick that left Home goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at stranded. It is the former English Premier League winger's first goal in three S-League matches for Tampines.

The best chance of the second half for Home came in the 80th minute, but substitute Irfan Fandi's header from Ilso's corner cross was cleared off the line.

The Protectors have now managed just two points from three games and they are in seventh place in the nine-team standings. Tampines remain in third spot with five points from three matches.

In the night's other match, Geylang International and Balestier Khalsa played to a goalless draw at Bedok Stadium.

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