Pahang on track for another win, PKNS determine to tighten up defense

BY         NIK AFIQ        Follow on Twitter

After recording two wins in a row, scoring nine goals in the process, Pahang have every right to go the game against PKNS FC full of confidence and determination.

Dollah Salleh and his players stayed in 2nd place after last weekend's round of matches, keeping the pressure on Kedah with only one point separating the two, and a win against PKNS could see them go top, at least for 24 hours.

Despite their fine form, captain Matthew Davies has warned the team against complacency, as he rubbished off the favorites tag on The Elephants.

According to The Star, Davies said: “We are happy with our position and form now but we can’t afford to let complacency creep in.”

“More work is needed and we have to be consistent with our performance. I believe the other teams will improve as the season progresses.”

Pahang already shown vast improvements under Dollah Salleh this season, as this time last year, they were in relegation zone compared to the 2nd spot right now.

For PKNS FC, their three-game unbeaten run was ended last weekend after the team suffered a defeat to Sarawak at home.

The Red Ants were impressive previously, defeating Selangor 5-3 and Perak 3-0, but poor defending has cost them their last two games, including the 2-2 draw against T-Team before the defeat to Sarawak.

Coach E. Elavarasan admitted that his team’s lack of patience, and their mistakes in conceding soft goals were the reasons for their poor results.

Going up against Pahang, who are the highest-scoring team so far this season with 17 goals after six games, Elavarasan must tighten up the defense if they want to avoid another defeat.

Having used several combinations in the heart of the defence, Elavarasan will have to rejig his centre back partnership again to counter the Pahang's potent attack and in particular, the red-hot scoring form of Matheus Alves.

Who from M. Sivakumar and Amirizdwan Taj that will partner Gonzalo Soto will also depend if Elavarasan can get his injured midfielders back in action. Alif Haikal and Matias Hadwa both missed the defeat to Sarawak, and should they return against Pahang, it would certainly give PKNS a fighting chance against the home side.