If territorial ownership is determined by battles, then Etoile FC have proven to be the landlord of Queenstown Stadium without a doubt, after winning the latest 'Battle of Queenstown' 6-1. Talks of an upset was pretty evident when Coach Arena named a team that were missing Jonathan Toto, Theo Raymond Serge Souchon and more notably, Captain Antonin Trilles. The match would see the debut of Hadama Bathily in what was termed as an 'Etoile Second Stringers' from some tweets.
However, the 'upset' calls were squashed within 6 minutes of play time as Etoile FC were awarded a penalty for alleged handball by the Jaguars off a corner kick. Maxime Balouet converted the penalty with style, and it was service as usual for the Stars. To their credit, the challengers were quick to stifle the Star's attacking play and was able to deny the Stars over and over again.
But the signs were present that this was the night of the Stars and Wilson Grosset managed to grab a double just before half time to allow the Stars to enter the half-time break at 3-0. In truth, the Singapore National Team 3rd Choice Custodian was playing pretty poorly and the 3rd goal conceded summed up his night, until Julien Durand volleyed a sweet goal into the net right after half time that he managed to gain his composure.
After a goal by Aly Doumbouya and a consolation goal by the Jaguars, the stage was set for Wilson Grosset to grab his first hat-trick in Singapore and end the game in 6-1.
If the adage is that "Queenstown Stadium is the spiritual ground of Tanjong Pagar United FC", then the spirit is certainly with its new owners now.
good luck etoile
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