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| HAMMER BLOW … Sabahawks Junior Umareng Bacok (No 19) was given the marching orders in the 55th minute for two yellow card offences. |
Sabahawks Juniors could have taken the lead at the half-hour mark after striker Rexjeson Pitirus was put through by midfielder Didie Arizal Ibrahim, but only to find his shot going straight into the keeper’s arms in a one-on-one situation. It was not long after that, that Perak drew first blood. They were awarded a penalty kick after Shazree Ruhif Ismail, who earlier had already received a booking, was fortunate to stay on the field, after he brought down Mugenthirran A/L Ganesan inside the penalty box.
Perak skipper Muhd Rafiq Faaez Md Paut coolly slotted home the opener defeating the hapless Sabahawks Juniors custodian Endre S Tipay. In the 45th minute, Sabahawks Juniors should have scored their first when Rexjeson centred for Zul Mansshah Aling, who was left unmarked in front of Perak’s goalmouth.
Unfortunately, for the host, Zul Mansshah saw his attempt from six yards out go wide to eventually walk into the half-time break trailing 1-0. After the break, Sabahawks Juniors tried hard to find the equaliser, but were slapped with a blow after being forced to play with one man lesser following Umareng Bacok’s expulsion for two yellow card offences in the 55th minute. Capitalising with one extra man, Perak extended their lead when Mugenthirran was left unchallenged before heading home the second goal from close range.
With the defeat, the Sabahawks Juniors are still without a win at home after settling for one point against Melaka in the opener before nicking their first win away to Kelantan prior to yesterday’s defeat.
