Westwood sees positive in Panthers' defeat to Red Giants

BY         NIK AFIQ        Follow on Twitter

Pulau Pinang head coach, Ashley Westwood believes that luck was not on their side after their 2-0 defeat to Selangor in their first game of the Super League (MSL).

Pulau Pinang were second best after two goals in the first 45 minutes gave the Red Giants the win and for Westwood, two defensive mistakes were the reasons for the goals.

“I thought we were unlucky. On another day we might have scored, but tonight we didn’t get the rebounds and the luck didn’t go with us.”

“We were strong in the second half, I think we had 72% possession and the stats showed a positive sight on us, but we didn’t create clear cut opportunities even though we have plenty of possession in the box.”

“Two defensive mistakes cost us the goals. The first one we didn’t react, they reacted quicker than us and the second one, it was a bit of pressure on the goalkeeper as he didn’t clear the ball correctly and it fell straight to the other team.”

However, Westwood believes his young side will learn from this game, and he is determined to improve the players for the upcoming games.

The former Bengaluru FC head coach also criticised the performance of the match officials, but urged his youngsters to learn from the experience and take things positively.

“I think they players must push through (the defeat). The game wasn’t being controlled they way it should have been in the match officials’ perspective. Many tackles were flying in and people were unpunished.”

“At the end of the day, we were very strong, and we kept pushing. Players do make mistakes and that’s football.”

“We are a young side and we will take this positively. This is the direction we want to go and we will improve our local players.”

Commenting on 2016 Puskas Award winner, Faiz Subri, Westwood said the player needed more minutes and training in order to be more fit and ready for games.

“He missed a little bit of training and he is not where I want him to be in terms of match fitness but he is a good player, he will get there.”

Penang will have to wait to their 2nd game to find a win, as they are welcoming Perak to their home ground next Friday.