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| Farhan celebrates the third goal as Kelantan beat JDT 4-1 at Kota Bharu.- asiana.my |
The Southern Tigers were expected to win and enjoy a large travelling crowd with 20 buses to Kota Bharu as they continue their charges towards the league title but that did not deter Kelantan from proving the league leaders wrong. After two defeats in a row against two East Coast side, they bounced back with a style.
Kelantan took only three minutes to lead the game after a low cross from Norfarhan met the hands of Farizal Marlias who fumbled the ball in front of Gilmar and easily slotted home to make it 1-0.
The home side continue to press forward through NorFarhan, Gilmar, Amutu, Wan Zaharulnizam. They finally rewarded with another goal albeit in a controversial circumstances.
Gilmar put the ball through to Amutu who suddenly fell inside of the box and the referee ruled Amutu was fouled by Marcos Antonio and shown the spot kick.
Temper flares among the JDT players as well as their head coach Mario Gomez who was fuming with the referee's decision.
Piya keep it cool and scored the goal confidently past Farizal to make 2-0.
JDT have several chances to score as well only to let down by poor finishing and solid Kelantan defence at the back.
As the second half starts, JDT determined to get back into the game, and duly delivered when Mahalli Jasuli converted a corner through chaotic Kelantan defence, narrowing down the two-goal deficit to one.
However, not even a minute after JDT scored, Kelantan quickly restored the two-goal lead when Norfarhan burst into JDT defence who unleashed the ball from outside of the box, scoring third goal of the game for the home side.
JDT desperately trying to score again despite poor in creating chances and finishing only to found themselves on the back foot as Kelantan once again in a delightful counter attack.
Nor Farhan chipped the ball which found the unmarked Gilmar who scored with a stunning half-volley to the back of the net, putting the final nail in the coffin for JDT.
"I want to thanked to the fans for their support, I am especially delighted that we were able to win tonight," said Zahasmi Ismail.
"I hope we can continue to play this way for the next two games."
"The second goal was no penalty," said Mario Gomez, who suffered his first league defeat as JDT head coach.
"We must improve for the final two games."
While Pahang failed to capitalise the opportunities after only held 1-1 draw by Perak, sharing the league points and goal difference with their title rivals JDT , Pahang are back to the top of the league due to a massive difference in goal scored in the league.
Next game, JDT welcome Perak at Larkin while Pahang host Felda at Kuantan.