Top scorer’s award a scant reward for shattered Marlon

PETALING JAYA: The top scorer’s award in the Malaysia Cup competition is scant reward for Armed Forces striker Marlon Alex James after his team were beaten 3-2 by Kelantan in the Malaysia Cup final at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday.

The Saint Vincent and Grenadines international scored a total of 12 goals including one in the final.

James also took a dig at Kelantan players who were dropping down like a sack of potatoes towards the end of the match.

“Beforethematch, theKelantan coach pointed out that we are an ageing squad and will tire out towards the end of the match,” said James who picked up a 40inch television for winning the award.

“However, it was their young squad who were going to the ground with cramps when we were pushing for an equaliser. We are a Premier League side and I think we gave them a good run for the money.

“We conceded goals due to lapses of concentration ... maybe some of the younger players are not used to playing in the Cup final. I picked up the top scorer award but I would have preferred to win the Malaysia Cup.”

James, who won the Malaysia Cup twice with Kedah in 2007 and 2008, said he’ll be flying back to Saint Vincent and Grenadines to be with his fivemonth pregnant wife Elta Elizabeth and daughter Malaya Jaymara.

The 35-year-old also revealed that he hopes to continue playing with Forces in the Super League next season although his contract ends next month.

“I’ll have a short break with my family in my country than I’ll be back for training,” said James.

“The talks on my contract extension have not started yet but Iwant to stay here inMalaysia and play with Forces. Mark my words, Forces will be better next season.”