Fathi Yunus' 76th minute strike proved the difference between the two teams despite the local side going down to 10 men when they had a player sent off in the second half, and Fury missed a penalty.

Coach Ian Ferguson said that while the result wasn't great, there were plenty of good signs.

"It was our first game and I was very pleased with the way the boys played in the first half," Ferguson said.

"We moved the ball about well and had some half chances and being our first game you could see we were a little bit sluggish.

"But I'm reasonably happy ... we got a good hit out from it."

Brendon Santalab missed a penalty while Ramone Close forced a save from the Tampines keeper.

Marquee signing Robbie Fowler did not play in the match after battling a minor hamstring injury. Ferguson said he would take no risk with the Liverpool legend's fitness in the pre-season.