KUALA LUMPUR, Mac 10 – Sarawak United cleared a tough hurdle with a 3-0 win over Perak II in an afternoon match at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh on Wednesday for their second win in as many matches in Premier League.
After a 2-0 win over Kelantan United in their first match played at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka, the big win over Perak II is a boost to their confidence in the second-tier Premier League.
Sarawak United, however, was reduced to 10 players late in the game when Zahril Azri was given the marching orders for a second bookable offense in the 82nd minute. He was first booked 28 minutes into the match.
For head coach E. Elavarasan, it is ”’another important three points” in a long journey this season where the Hornbills have set a high target of a top-two finish which will guarantee the team a promotion to the elite Super League.
International Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, popularly known as Mat Yo, opened the scoring 36 minutes for a 1-0 lead at half-time. Terengganu-born Norshahrul has been having a good run with the team. He had a hand in both the goals against Kelantan United.
Uche Agba converted a penalty in the 75th minute to make it 2-0 for the team. The Nigerian hitman, however, was not finished yet. He scored a gem in the 84th minute with a cool lift with his left foot into the right corner from an acute angle inside the six-yard box to take his tally to three in two matches.
“The win is certainly a big confidence boost to the team. It is a positive result but we have to work better,” said Elavarasan who also played all his foreigners in the match with Brazilian midfielder Sandro Mendonca thrown into the fray midway in the second half.
Injured South Korean midfielder Lee Chang-hoon passed a late fitness test for an ankle injury to start the game Sarawak United wanted to win badly.
About The Author
