Pahang skipper Davies downplays favourites tag

PETALING JAYA: Pahang skipper Matthew Davies (pic) has downplayed the Elephants’ title favourites tag despite a fine start in the Super League.

The east coast side kept up the heat on leaders Kedah with a 3-1 win over Malacca at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday to stay second in the 12-team league with 13 points. They are just one point behind Kedah after four wins, a draw and a defeat in six matches.

Pahang’s goals were scored by midfielder Joseph Kallang Tie (20th minute), Brazilian striker Matheus Alves (43rd) and Gambian winger Mohamadou Sumareh ( 57th) before defender Ahmad Khuzaimie Piee scored Malacca’s last-gasp consolation goal.

At this stage last season, Pahang were in the relegation zone. They eventually finished ninth with 24 points.

“We could only collect double digit points at the halfway stage last season. But this season we’ve already collected 13 points after six matches.

“It looks promising but it’s still early days with plenty of matches to come,” said the 22-year-old rightback.

“We are happy with our position and form now but we can’t afford to let complacency creep in. More work is needed and we have to be consistent with our performance. I believe the other teams will improve as the season progresses,” added Davies.

The new-look Pahang team under coach Dollah Salleh have scored 17 goals so far, the highest in the league. Pahang could only manage 22 goals – the second lowest – last season.

“It’s good that we are scoring a lot of goals. I had six assists and two goals last season. I hope to better the record this season but my main task is still defending,” said the Australian-born Davies, who chalked up his second assist of the season in the win over Malacca.