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SINGAPORE: Head bowed, Lee Lim Saeng cut a dejected figure as he walked into the Home United dressing-room at half-time in Monday's S.League fixture against Sengkang Punggol at Clementi Stadium.
With a chance to jump to the top of the standings for 48 hours, at least, before leaders Tampines Rovers face second-placed Etoile FC on Wednesday, Home trailed 2-0 at the break against a side second from bottom in the table.
While the Protectors did manage a fightback, the 2-2 result failed to improve Lee's mood.
"I'm not happy. Although it was a good effort to come back from two goals down to draw, we had to beat Sengkang here, and I'm disappointed with the result," said Lee.
The Protectors were expected to stroll to three points, but few would have expected Home's defence to go to sleep in the 35th minute, as Mamadou Diallo found himself completely unmarked in the penalty box and calmly chipped over the on-rushing Lionel Lewis.
Things got worse for Home six minutes later, when Jordan Webb rose highest to nod Farizal Basri's corner past a bemused Lewis.
Choi Chul Woo (52nd) and Shi Jiayi (63rd) both quickly drew Home level after the break and the Protectors threw everything and the kitchen sink at Sengkang from then on.
Their best opportunity came with the last piece of action.
First Choi, then Juma'at Jantan had space and time inside the Sengkang box to pick their spots, but each time the ball flew off a Home boot, a Sengkang defender threw his body in the way to protect their goal.
Home, now a point behind Tampines, who have a game in hand, have five matches left and goalkeeper Lewis remained upbeat.
"This was an opportunity wasted, but there's five games left and who knows what can happen. We will keep at it," he vowed.
In another match at Bedok Stadium, Woodlands Wellington beat Geylang United 1-0. - TODAY
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