Despite more than 2 weeks enforced break and a great performance from their opponents, Coach Arenas's charges found themselves 2-0 winners against the Jaguars, earning the chance to meet Gombak United in the Quarter-finals of the Singapore Cup.
Ex-Queenstown Stadium incumbant Tanjong Pagar United FC were unable to prevent current incumbant Etoile FC from victory despite a credible performance. The Stars won the game no thanks to a double from Toto.
Etoile FC started the game with Anthony Aymard and Andrea Damiani the preferred central defensive partnering while Maxime Belouet and Hicham Bouchemlal was tasked to control midfield, Johnathan Toto being the man to spearhead the Etoile's attack. Tanjong Pagar United were able to field the very talented Cyril Bagnost, signed recently, and the ex-Etoile man showed why he is the owner of a League Cup and S-League winners' medals with yet another impressive performance.
The game started with Etoile FC showing signs of not playing competitive football for over 2 weeks while the Jaguars continue their amazing improvement, tackling every ball and trying to disrupt the attacking flow of the Stars. However, all was undone after a Maxime's through ball was taken by Johnathan Toto, and the lanky forward rounded the goalkeeper before blasting the ball into the net to allow the Stars to bring a 1 goal lead during half time.
To the Jaguars' credit, they never gave up despite falling a goal back and many times, Cyril Bagnost was creating chances for them. It could be said that at least 70% of the Tanjong Pagar possession was controlled by the Frenchman and despite coming close a few times, the Jaguars ultimately found themselves 2 goals down with Toto the goalscorer once again, pouncing on some bad clearance from the Jag's defence to ease the nerves of the team and fans alike.
As Johan Johari blew for the final whistle, the Stars and Ultras celebrated yet another victory for the Stars. With this win, the Stars will next face Gombak United in the Quarter Finals, the bulls beating Balestier Khalsa 2-1 last week.
The Ultras are happy to see that ex-Etoile players are being taken up by local clubs and that they are making their new employers happy with their performance. Terry Pathanathan, coach of Tanjong Pagar United was complimentary of Cyril's performance, crediting him for 'connecting' the team together.
Also spotted at the stands last night was ex-Etoile FC coach, and also a S-League winner and League Cup winner Mr Patrick Vallee. We understand that he is having a holiday in Singapore currently. We hope that he would be happy with what he had seen of the team, and especially players that used to play for him.
On a seperate note, the Ultras would like to send their best wishes to Stan Fougeroud for his service to the club over the last 4 months. Stan was a great servant to the club and who can forget the tireless performance that he had put up for the club when selected to play. We sincerely hope that this is not the last time that we see him donning the Etoile FC jersey.
Allez Etoile, Allez Stan, Allez Ultras.....
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