Singapore coach happy with team's progress

Coach V. Sundramoorthy has admitted that the task of putting the "feel-good factor" back into the LionsXXI team remains an on-going process.

The young Lions have grown in confidence in the Super League and have followed up their 2-1 home defeat to Kelantan in their opening match with victories over Kuala Lumpur (2-1) and Sabah (1-0) and draw against Kedah (0-0).

Sundramoorthy is delighted with the progress his players have made, but warned his charges that they have achieved nothing yet.

"We can't get carried away as this is only the beginning. We still have a long way to go," said Sundramoorthy.

"There has to be more to come from us. We have to be consistent. You really are only as good as your last game and you have to keep improving.

"Our strengths are our teamwork and discipline and we have to bank on that."

The Lions are hoping to build on their form for Saturday's crucial match when they visit Terengganu. They are determined to earn a favourable result after notching their first away victory in Sabah last weekend.

"I hope the away win will be a turning point for us. It is very tough for a young team to come to Sabah and win but the boys were tactically disciplined and turned in a great defensive performance," said the coach.

The team stood tall, despite having to play with 10 men for nearly an hour in Kota Kinabalu.

Irwan Shah received his marching orders, along with Sabah's  Mafry Balang, for retaliating to a punch thrown by the latter, but the visitors allowed little to get in their way of a famous away win.

"The entire team played their hearts out, gave 110 per cent and did the job," added Sundramoorthy.

"This was a great match for the younger boys to experience and they showed that they've grown up.  We proved that we can play, this is what we want and I hope this will continue."