SINGAPORE - After seeing their three-year hold on the Schools National Football Championships A Division boys' title end with a third-placed finish last year, Meridian Junior College (MJC) bounced back on Monday with a 1-0 victory over St Andrew's Junior College (SAJC).

Cheered on by a crowd of 3,500 at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Meridian imposed themselves on the match after a scrappy start, and scored in the 21st minute from forward Mohamed Faizal's half-volley from outside the box, following a knock-down from team-mate Haziq Syamil.

Despite MJC captain Muhammad Faiz being sent off for two yellow card offences, SAJC was unable to find a way through the disciplined MJC defence, and had to settle for a runner-up medal for the third time in the past five years.

Meridian coach Fabio Da Silva said: "We were unfortunate not to take our chances when we were one goal up. But it was tough to hold back St Andrew's as they have very fit players, and all credit to my players who worked very hard."

For SAJC coach Roland Lee, the result was not everything. Lee said: "It was a hard fought game played in good spirit, and we fought very hard to qualify for the finals, so I have no complaints about the effort of the team."