DRUZHBA EDGE TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH AS TITLE RACE HEATS UP

Week 6 of the Sunday Premier League featured just one Division 1 fixture, with two of the eight teams in action. But it was a blockbuster encounter as league leaders Bukit Timah AS faced third-placed Druzhba United at Woodlands Secondary School in a clash between two unbeaten sides. Separated by just three points, with Druzhba holding a game in hand, this was a true early-season title six-pointer. The match lived up to expectations, with both sides showing quality and composure in a tightly contested first half. Stas Mikhaylov fired Druzhba ahead in the 10th minute, finishing clinically to give his side the early advantage. Bukit Timah responded well and continued to press, eventually finding the equaliser through Syafie Mawardie, who struck just a minute before the break to level the score at 1–1 heading into half-time. Druzhba came out firing after the restart and wasted no time in regaining the lead. Just two minutes into the second half, Cheikh Boukal Ahmed, also known as Bassem, produced a decisive moment of quality to put his side back in front. The forward, who was later named Man of the Match, proved a constant threat with his movement and finishing. As Bukit Timah pushed forward in search of another equaliser, Druzhba remained disciplined at the back while looking dangerous on the counter. With ten minutes left on the clock, X-League veteran Pavel Volkov, who came into the season with an impressive tally of 76 goals, sealed the victory with a composed finish to make it 2–1. The result sees Druzhba United hand Bukit Timah AS their first defeat of the campaign, throwing the title race wide open. With momentum building and games in hand, Druzhba are beginning to look like genuine contenders for the Division 1 crown. Season 17 of the X-League is proudly sponsored by Agent Azhar Sulaiman, Hombre, Dendeng Duo and Grandsport Singapore.