Geylang International head coach Noor Ali has urged his team to take their chances with the race for the third spot and AFC Cup ticket going down to the wire.
The Eagles are still four points adrift of third-placed Tampines Rovers ahead of their clash with Hougang United at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday, the first of the crucial final stretch of five games.
Geylang are on a roll after making it three wins on the trot with a sensational 3-1 victory over reigning AIA Singapore Premier League champions Lion City Sailors last Sunday.
The Eagles face a couple of tricky encounters ahead in the coming weeks, notably playing title-chasing second-placed Albirex Niigata at home on Sept 16 and a much-anticipated Eastern Derby meeting with Tampines on October 1.
The final two fixtures lined up are against fifth-placed Tanjong Pagar (Oct 9) and Balestier Khalsa (Oct 15).
Noor stressed that each of the last five matches will be season-defining ones and Geylang must rake in as many points as possible from the possible 15.
There is everything to play for the Eagles, considering it has been 19 years since they last secured a top-three finish.
The feat has not been repeated again after Geylang came in runners-up in the 2003 season.
“Earlier this season, we could not possibly imagine we would arrive at the end to fight for a top-three finish, and a spot in the continental competition. But here we are now, there’s hope and it will be up to us to make it happen,” said Noor.
“At this crucial stage, there’s no holding back anymore and we have to make our last sprint to the finish line.
“The only result we’re chasing is a win to keep piling the pressure on the team above us.
“We have delivered all three points in the past three games, so we will be looking to do the same against Hougang.
“If we manage that, then it will stand us in good stead for our next two games against Albirex and Tampines, where it could be a make or break for us.”With a first top-three outing in 19 years is in sight, I don’t see why we’re not having the motivation to make this final push.”