English football fans would vividly remember the 98-99 season for its dramatic title race when Manchester United left it late to seize the gold from Arsenal on the final day of the season. Despite trailing the Gunners by mere two points after 37 games, the Red Devils emerged as champions after their 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspurs as Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United.
The reenactment of this classical scenario could happen in our competitive amateur scene as the NFL season goes into its final stages this weekend. In Division 1, Eunos Crescent FC are entrenched in a similar position with the Red Devils as SRC(Singapore Recreation Club) is holding a slender lead of two points. However, it remains to be seen if Eunos Crescent FC has what it takes to equal Manchester United’s fantastic feat back in 1999.
Not only Eunos Crescent FC have to overcome a battling Borussia Zamrud who held them to a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the season, the former league of champions representative must hope that bottom side Prison SRC are able to hold the current leaders to a low scoring stalemate in their final league game, paving the way for them to land the title based on their superior goal difference record.
Interestingly, with Sporting Westlake FC leading the charts of Division 3 based on their superior goal difference, Admiralty FC remains in the running for the title race as they are able to claim the elusive first place finish should the former FAS Island wide League champions slip up against Elias Park FC while they must defeat a resilient Nanyang CSC in their final league game this Sunday.
To top on that, the battle for supremacy in Division 2 draw close similarities to the exhilarating S League title race back in 2007 when eventual champions SAFFC barely overcame the likes of Home United and Tampines Rovers by a point in the final standings. Back in Division 2, mere two points separates leaders Keppel Monaco from Tiong Bahru FC at third place as the three teams are working towards the ultimate goal by grabbing maximum points in their final encounters less than six days away.
Which three teams will prevail in the final day of the NFL season?
What do you think?