Cash-strapped United SC defeated Geylang International FC 2-1 to storm into their third straight IFA Shield semi-final here today.
The defending champions, who are struggling to put together the team without a title sponsor, did not get the services of their ace Nigerian forward Ranty Martins because of suspension.
But the side under stand-in coach Anjan Nath who took charge after Dutchman Eelco Schattorie, rose to the occasion as Baldeep Singh (21th) and Eric Brown (35th) scored one each to set up a semi-final clash against Mohammedan Sporting.
Deepak Mondal was instrumental in both the goals as he first set up Baldeep with a measured centre before setting up the second goal as Brown converted it from a close range.
The Singaporean team pulled one back through their Japanese signing Kento Fukuda who headed one home in the 38th minute.
Geylang went all out for an equaliser in the second-half, but United SC held on to their slender lead.
