After 1 month of break due to fasting, City were back into league action but they welcome 2nd placed team Royals FC who saw results going their way in a couple of friendlies with the recent 2-0 win over AMP FC.
City were boosted when Zahrul Bahri was unveiled and was available for the match which also signified the return of YAzid Tam after months of layoff. City started the match with 13 players including 3 goalkeepers present during kick off compared to Royals 20 men army.
Coach Ridwan decided to named Amin in goal with debutant Ronnie as his back up, Xavier was restored in right back position, Jelson returns at left back with Fred playing just infront of sweeper Tam. Bob found himself out of position for this tie as Ridwan pushed him to the right wing with Anon switching over to the left to take the place of the missing Jeremiah. First choice goalkkeper Safiuddin started as an outfield player for the 3rd time this season partnering another debutant Zahrul Bahri with Ryan who was carrying a knee injury started just behind City's leading scorer Gabir.
City and Royals have a fair share of possesion and within minutes both threaten to break the deadlock. Both teams playing under immense pressure with the sun scorching on the turf. 15 mins to the game, City went ahead. It was Gabir yet again supplying with the finishing touch. Bob loops over the loose ball and with no Royals challenge, Gabir tap in from close range to make it 1-0 to the good. City pressured, the 2 defensive mid of Safiuddin and Zahrul really cancelled out Royals attack.
A good through ball sends Zahrul free one on one with the goalkeeper, he then had his delightful lob goal ruled out for offside. City fumed at the late decision.
City back four were rock solid as evergreen Fred and Tam who did not show any signs of a player out for months clearing and tackling. They were having the game of their life till in the 35th minute when Bob gave away a freekick. City switched off at the back and Royals stirker was quicker then the onrushing Amin whom equalised to the empty net. 1-1
City pressured on with number of stray passes and a few tired legs out on the pitch. Gabir tried to take matters in his own hands but failed to add to his tally.
Half time remains at 1-1.
Second half, City brought on Hafiz for Xavier.
Royals had the most of possesion in the second half threatening to take the game to City. They had a couple of chances wasted which would put them 2-3 goals up.
In the 55th minute, City punished them. Zahrul pin point pass releases Gabir who slotted it past the onrushing keeper to make it 2-1. City camp celebrated. Royals did not back down, they started to push men forward leaving loopholes at the back one which saw Zahrul taking the whole Royals defence on only to see his effort blocked by excellent defending.
Royals had a couple of chances to equalised but failed at every attempt.
Ronnie then comes on to make his debut for City. His excellent commanding at the box proved to be vital and one Royals move nearly vrept in. With City being under pressure for most of the game, they need excellent reflex point blank save from ronnie to keep their promotion charge alive.
City held for all 3 points.
City coach commented,"Its a great win for the lads. Its a bittersweet victory. Forst of all, I'm delighted on the signing of Zahrul Bahri. He really showed what we were missing and he might be the final jigsaw puzzle. With Tam completing his first match, I dont see why we can't push for glories in the near future. This team is born to win and their team spirit pays off today. The lads worked hard and it had paid off. Gabir on the other hand was great but its going to be very diffircult to hold on to him know come end season. Hope he stays. I'm pretty impressed the way the team performed and hope they can complete the double over Hilderinc next week. Its going to be tough as Hilderinc has some good quality players as well as they drew before with league champions JFC so they might fancy thier chances too."
