Matthew wants Elephants to trample Giants in FA Cup final

PETALING JAYA: Pahang skipper Matthew Davies (pic) is looking forward to settle an unfinished business in the FA Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

The East Coast side will be making their second consecutive appearance in the FA Cup final when they take on Selangor after beating Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-final at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh on Sunday.

Matthew skippered the Elephants to the FA Cup final last season but they were edged 3-2 by Kedah in the showdown at the Shah Alam Stadium on May 20 and this year he aims to lift the elusive trophy.

“We went through a tough road to reach the final by beating Kedah in the third round and Johor Darul Ta’zim in the quarter-finals. We have a score to settle in the FA Cup and we want to get it right this time,” said Matthew yesterday.

“We will meet Selangor who recently drew 1-1 with us in Kuantan but this is a Cup final so anything can happen. We might be the favourites but nothing is guaranteed in the final.”

Meanwhile, Pahang coach Dollah Salleh, credited his side’s discipline for the 2-1 win over PKNP in the second leg of the semi-final.

Pahang got off to a perfect start with two goals from strikers Austine Amutu in the 32nd minute and Nor Shahrul Idlan Talaha in the 75th. PKNP reduced the deficit through Franklin Anzite’s spot-kick in the 80th minute.

“PKNP were more organised and had their chances to score. However, my players performed well and were highly disciplined,” said the former international.

“We controlled the game and were comfortable in the first half and got the well deserved lead.

“We doubled our lead in the second half but the players lost focus and PKNP managed to reduce the deficit.”