It's been a sometimes-bumpy start to life as Hougang United head coach, but Philippe Aw believes that his team are close to finding the consistency needed to move them up the table.
Going into Round 10 of the 2017 S.League, Hougang are in fifth spot in the nine-team standings, 12 points behind leaders Albirex Niigata (S).
They've won just two of their last six matches, and were held to a 1-1 draw by Geylang International on May 20 after a red card to defender Delwinder Singh allowed their opponents back into the match.
It was a frustrating outing for the highly rated Aw, who joined Hougang from Home United at the end of last season.
"We just need to find consistency in our results, and in front of goals too. We played decently in some matches but we were not able to find the back of the net," Aw told the S.League's official website.
"We need to finish our chances, and I believe we can pick up more points. I know the boys have played to their best ability, and we are capable of beating any team if we play as a unit."
Next up for Hougang is a Thursday night assignment against third-placed Tampines Rovers, who are still stinging from a 4-1 defeat to leaders Albirex Niigata (S) last Sunday.
The Cheetahs will be keen to avenge a loss to the Stags on March 3 when Aw thought his side were unlucky.
"In the first match against Tampines we were unfortunate to lose 2-1. We had a good game, but could not come away with a win," Aw said.
"Tampines may be the stronger team on paper, but I am confident that my boys are prepared for this match, and will do their best to get the three points."
Jurgen Raab's side will be without Shakir Hamzah, who picked up an automatic suspension after his second-half red card against Albirex.
"Although they will be missing Shakir for this match, it won't be much of a problem for them as they got depth in their squad and several national team players," Aw said.
"We are not far behind from them and a win for us would be good for the team to climb the table."
If Hougang are able to win in front of their home fans, they will move to within only two points of the 2016 runners up.
Hougang's most recent victory over Tampines came last August when they prevailed 2-1 to seriously dent the Stags' title chances.