KEDAH REGAIN THIRD SPOT
Victory over Melaka moves them above Selangor on goal difference in the Super League
KEDAH reclaimed third spot in the Super League from Selangor on Saturday after the former defeated Melaka 2-1 in Alor Star while the Red Giants were held 1-1 by Perak SEDC in Manjung.
Melaka netted first through Luka Milunovic in the 30th minute for his fourth goal in two matches for the club.
Determined not to fall to their second defeat in as many games, Kedah coach Aidil Shahrin Sahak altered his tactics after the breather as the Red Eagles stormed back into the match.
Captain Baddrol Bakhtiar equalised with a diving header in the 60th minute before Jonathan Bauman’s cross 11 minutes later was deflected by Melaka’s Jang Suk Won into his own net.
Aidil was pleased with the turnaround as Kedah exacted revenge on Melaka who won the reverse fixture at the Hang Jebat Stadium a month ago.
“We got the result that we wanted. We dominated the game but also made mistakes and as a result, we conceded a goal,” said Aidil on Saturday.
“But we came back strong and got three points. It was also important to win because of the defeat to Selangor in our previous game.
“The boys knew we weren’t good enough in that game, so I’m very happy with the response.”
For Melaka, the result left coach Zainal Abidin Hassan feeling a little bemused with his team’s yo-yo form.
Having spanked Felda United 6-0 in the previous match, more was expected from Zainal’s team on Saturday.
Melaka have failed to string two wins
together since the opening two matches of the season. Zainal questioned the inability of his boys to maintain their concentration.
“Even though we defended, we were more disciplined, and that’s why we were able to take the lead,” said Zainal.
“But in the second half, we made too many mistakes and were punished.
“Of course, it was disappointing to lose, especially after taking the lead. I told the boys that we needed to maintain our focus in this match but things did not materialise.
In Manjung, Selangor took the lead through Ifedayo Olusegun, his fourth in two matches, in the 29th minute, only for Perak SEDC to equalise from a defensive error through G. Mugenthirran in the 47th minute.
“My players have to change their attitude. I reminded them to not take Perak SEDC lightly, but the opposite happened.
“We had set-pieces, but we could not capitalise on them. Furthermore, some players played without proper direction. We need to work on our weaknesses in training,” said Selangor coach B. Sathianathan.
Kedah and Selangor each have 22 points but the former are third on goal difference.
In Jengka, Terengganu failed to spark as they were held 1-1 by lowly Felda.
Nabil Ahmad Latpi struck in the 83rd minute for Terengganu but Felda responded five minutes later through Kei Ikeda. RESULTS — Super League: Felda United 1 Terengganu 1, Kedah 2 Melaka 1, Perak SEDC 1 Selangor 1. Premier
League: UiTM FC 2 Sarawak 1, Negri Sembilan 3 Kelantan 1, JDT II 0 Penang 2.
My players have to change their attitude. I reminded them to not take Perak SEDC lightly, but the opposite happened.
B. SATHIANATHAN
Selangor coach