Benjamin Mora’s men managed to redeem themselves in tonight’s fixture after their tragic defeat to Kedah last Friday; with a 3-1 win over a 10-men FELDA United at the Larkin.
JDT took the lead in attack, a 2nd minute free kick taken by JDT captain Safiq Rahim found a panicky Fadhli Shas, whose shot went over the bar. Another free kick attempt by Safiq Rahim was cleared by FELDA United keeper Farizal Harun, who was quick to dive to the right and save the shot.
Although JDT dominated the game for the first fifteen minutes, FELDA was quick to step up and steal possession for the remaining of the first half.
A defensive mistake by Azrif sent the ball to FELDA’s side at the 11th minute, where Norshahrul rushed to get himself on the scoresheet, but his attempt goes just wide. This is followed by a few more attempts by FELDA’s Gaston and Mootaz. But apart from a few discomposed attempts, FELDA failed to make anything work with JDT defenders looming all around them.
However, a deflected bicycle kick by Gaston on the 23rd minute found an eager Norshahrul who found the back of the net and put FELDA ahead 1-0.
While FELDA were still reeling in from the high, Fadhli Shas gave them a wake up call as he equalised at the 26th minute and put JDT back into the game.
Shortly after that, Cabrera tried score one for the home team at the 31st minute with a right-footed attempt from outside the box, but it tragically hits the bar. Safiq Rahim then sent a delicious cross from outside the box to the forward line, but unfortunately no one was ready to head it home.
JDT took the lead in the second half, as Azamuddin sent a laudable cross to the centre, but the Apache Assassin was not ready to manoeuvre. The latter was then substituted with Safawi Rashid, who made his JDT debut in Barrales’ place.
When FELDA’s rightback Hasni was sent off at the 59th minute, it changed the entire game, and his absence was felt almost immediately. A 64th minute goal by Cabrera put the hosts ahead 2-1, and less than two minutes later, Brian Ferreira finds the back of the net and makes it 3-1, annihilating their already dispirited opponents.
However, FELDA suppressed JDT’s goal streak and fought on to impede the home team’s attack. They stiffened the scoreline and the match ended 3-1 in favour of JDT.
Other posts by Gowri Krishnan