Business as usual, Crocs win again

KUCHING: It was business as usual for the Crocs and they defeated Johor FA 3 – 2 at the Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya last night to maintain their unbeaten run in the Premier League.

The home team led 2 – 1 in the first half and opening goal was through Mohd Hairol Mokhtar who scored in the 7th minute through a header direct to the net after connecting a free kick from the left side.

Azizan Baba scored the second goal in the 32nd minute when a defensive lapse by the visitors was capitalised by Joseph Kalang Tie with a pass from the right was easily deflected to the unmarked midfielder.

But Johor’s Argent inean striker, Muriel Orlando reduced the deficit six minutes later after a goal mouth melee left the Crocs’ last man Sani Anuar Kamsani wrong footed and failed to clear the ball.

Going into the second half and clinging to the one goal advantage, the homesters were desperate in their attempts to bag more goals but Johor’s defence was world class and easily frustrated their hardworking opponents.

Azizan Baba again played the hero and scored his second goal of the night in the 78 minute.

Johor scored their second goal in the dying minutes of the match and went on a rampage thereafter but the Crocs defense stood fi rm.

After missing action for two matches due to injuries, chief coach Robert Alberts fielded his Croat hitman, Ivan Babic in the 89th minute to beef up the forward but the Crocs’ full points in the bag was already secured.

It was another enjoyable match for the thousands of local fans at the stadium and they now look forward to next Tuesday FA Cup second round match between the Crocs and Penang PBAPP FC.