Long-time fans might recall a match that was played
12 years ago when they mauled Kelantan 4-1 thanks to a brace by Romeo Kambou
and a goal each from Gilbert Cassidy Gawing and Ramles Sari.
With predictions heavily siding the home side, the
Crocs wasted no time to show that they were not going to be trampled by
Kelantan yet again as they immediately charged at Kelantan’s goal for a
fruitless throw in by Ronny Harun.
Friday’s win was only by a solitary goal but it was
equally impressive. Over the past three seasons Kelantan have been a
formidable force in the Malaysia league. Ryan Griffith’s beautifully crafted chip over
Kelantan and national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in the 51st minute gave
Sarawak the precious three points, thanks to a mistake by the Kelantan defence.
Kelantan might feel they were robbed as they had
the lion’s share of possessions during the match. But their players just could
not manage to translate tries and chances into goals.
Sarawak defended aggressively and pounced on every
opportunity to counter attack.
It was also a night when Sarawak had the answer to
Khairul Fahmi as custodian Mohd Fadzley Rahim was in top form to deliver a
clean sheet. A telling moment happened in the dying minutes when Kelantan
forced a free kick after Junior Eldstal committed a foul at the edge of
Sarawak’s penalty box. But the ball ended in Mohd Fadzley’s safe pair of hands.
In a post-match interview Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts commented that it is unfortunate that football is always about winning and three points, not the way the game is played. Nevertheless, he felt that Sarawak were deserving winners.
“We came here to win and we will do whatever it
takes to secure it. It was never easy playing against Kelantan but I think the
better team won tonight,” he said.
With the win in Kota Bharu, Sarawak are now
enjoying a three-match winning streak in the Super League after beating ATM 3-2
(April 15) and Terengganu 2-1 (April 11).
The Super League will resume on May 10 with Sarawak
taking on Sime Darby at the Stadium Negeri. Alberts added that the break gives
the Crocs much needed time to rest and recover.
Credit to The Borneo Post.
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