POOR FINISHING FRUSTRATES SAILORS COACH

Rankovic's side twice let lead slip in 2-2 draw with Geylang as winless run continues

- Lin Tianbao

Not once, but twice the Lion City Sailors put themselves on the front foot in their Singapore Premier League match against Geylang International, only to let slip their advantage as the tie ended 2-2 at the Bishan Stadium on Aug 30.

It proved costly for the Sailors as they were aiming to leapfrog BG Tampines Rovers into top spot before the international break.

Instead, the Stags retained pole position after a 1-1 draw with Hougang United on the same day put them on 31 points, two ahead of their rivals.

After a third straight winless game, Sailors coach Aleksandar Rankovic lamented his side's inability to convert their chances, but believed there is still cause for optimism.

The Serb said: "If you look at the whole game, we were the better team. We had more chances and of course, (Geylang) are happy with the 2-2 draw, so good for them.

"There were so many chances you'd expect to score... and this is something that's been happening now for a long time."

A busy schedule of six games in 20 days awaits them after the break, with Rankovic adding: “The positive is that nobody got injured and we've got some players back.