Hong Kong Premier League: Ngue penalty enough as Football Club condemn newcomers Sham Shui Po to defeat
- Former Hong Kong international scores only goal of the game in first half
- Sham Shui Po coach Poon Man-tik says players may need time to get up to speed
Sham Shui Po’s return to top-flight football ended with a 1-0 defeat at home to Football Club in their first match of the BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League season on Sunday.
Former Hong Kong international Paul Ngue converted a penalty after 25 minutes after he was brought down in the box.
Despite support from a strong 940 crowd, Sham Shui Po were under-par, according to their head coach Poon Man-tik.
“Our young players could not settle – they were under pressure on their Premier League debuts – while some of our experienced players failed to deliver,” he said. “We are newcomers and it may take some time before we adapt to the pace.”
Sham Shui Po were one of the two teams invited to join the Premier League this season. Their only previous appearance in the top flight came in the 2011-12 season, when they finished last with only one win.
Joining them are Wofoo Tai Po, who shared a goalless draw with Eastern Long Lions last week.
