Dollah to Helmi: 'I've never hugged you, tonight you're getting a hug!'

Zulhilmi Zainal

Dollah to Helmi: 'I've never hugged you, tonight you're getting a hug!' image


BY        ZULHILMI ZAINAL       Follow on Twitter


Second-placed Pahang were the winners in the East Coast derby against fifth-placed Terengganu on Tuesday, defeating the hosts 3-1 in their Malaysia Super League match at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium.

Speaking in the post-match interview with the broadcaster, Elephants head coach Dollah Salleh praised the players who replaced the regular starters in the encounter.

"Praise Allah, I'm really satisfied with the win. Even though I couldn't pick our best eleven, with three of them suspended or injured, the replacements proved tonight that they deserve to start too. I'm also proud of them for playing with discipline, which is the team's strength.

"Those picked to play adapted well to the starting line-up, and they need to maintain this," praised the former Malaysia head coach.

He also praised goalkeeper Helmi Eliza Elias, who made seven saves altogether in the match to deny the hosts, with the only Turtles' goal of the evening coming from the spotkick.

Helmi Eliza Elias, Pahang, Malaysia Super League, 01052018

Helmi playing against Terengganu

"He has been in-form for a while and is one of the side's pillars. He kept out many shots and I'm proud of him.

"I even told him 'I've never hugged you before, but today you're getting a hug from me!' He's been improving and I want him to keep it up," remarked Dollah.

Patrick Cruz netted a brace in the match with his 38th and 53rd minute goals, but Lee Tuck pulled one back in the 73rd minute with his penalty. But youngster Faisal Halim restored the visitors' two-goal lead with his last-gasp goal, his second of the season.

The win has put Pahang just one point behind leaders JDT, who will play their round eight match against Selangor at home on Wednesday.

Zulhilmi Zainal