On the last match day of the season, Rangers gained one consolation point, thanks to a Shu Sasaki equaliser to cancel out Lam hin-ting’s strike on Mothers’ Day, May 13th.
Rangers have already confirmed their relegation spot several weeks ago and with Dreams having nothing to chase for, only 233 fans were attracted to Sham Shui Po on the final match day of the 2017/2018 season. Dreams started off the game better, but neither side was threatening the goalkeepers. Rangers had few chances through free kicks, but none of the attempts by Lai Lok-yin, Zhang Jun or Cheung Kwok-ming was close to scoring.
Dreams opened the score just eight minutes after the break, when Yoon Dong-hun’s free kick from the right was met by Lam Hin-ting’s head at the far post, which is the 19-year-old’s sixth goal of the season. The ball went in off the crossbar before bouncing out, where it was immediately cleared. The Rangers players were furiously complaining that the ball did not cross the line completely but the referee awarded the goal. After that Rangers looked for an equaliser and it indeed came in the 83rd minute when Shu Sasaki got sandwiched and tripped inside the box. The man himself scored from the spot to secure a point for Rangers. In the closing minute, Au Yeung Yiu-chung went on a quick counter-attack down the right and picked out a cross to Poon Pak-on, whose shot was easily saved by So Chi-wai to keep the scoreline.
Dreams held a farewell ceremony for their 24-year-old winger Li Ka-chun, as the captain of the day will retire from professional football after this season. The Rangers players, on the other hand, left the pitch individually and their director Philip Lee was then heard swearing to coach Su Yang for not keeping the players for a final group photo. Rangers hope to remain in the league will rely on whether any of the teams above them in the table decide to pull out for next season, of which Yuen Long are probably the most likely contender.
DATE AND TIME: Sunday, May 13th, 2018, 2:30pm
STADIUM: Sham Shui Po Sports Ground
ATTENDANCE: 233
