Juniors end barren run

New Sabah Times

JUSTIN … relieved.

KOTA KINABALU: After a dreadful month of March, Sabahawks Juniors finally chalked up their first win in eight games in the President’s Cup challenge after registering a slim 1-0 victory over Armed Forces at the UPM Mini Stadium in Serdang yesterday. Skipper Dendy Lowa turned hero for his side by netting the winner at the half-hour mark during a goalmouth melee.

 The victory should give Head Coach Justin Ganai a huge relief after seeing his side merely manage to pick up five points from a possible 21 last month that saw them dropping to 11th in the standings. The win would also boost the spirit in the squad, that has recorded the most draws in the 18-team league. For the record, Justin’s boys’ last victory came in late February where they edged Police, also away, with an identical scoreline.

 When contacted yesterday, Justin said he was delighted to see the team finally find their winning touch, albeit in difficult circumstances. “We dominated the opening 45 minutes, and managed to create numerous chances, but just could not finish them off until the strike from Dendy. “But after the break, they (Armed Forces) put up a much better show and put us in trouble, but fortunately we managed to hold on to our slim lead,” said Justin.

 “We were without three of our strikers due to suspension and injury, and had to do with only one,” he said, referring to Zul Mansshah Aling, Rexjeson Pitirus and Mohd Alfian Jamil. Zul Mansshah was suspended, while both Rexjeson and Mohd Alfian were injured with only Eyo Mathew available for selection. “I’m kind of relieved because we finally ended our barren run, and I hope this will be the start of better things for the team.”

 The three points has given Sabahawks Juniors 19 points from four wins, seven draws and three defeats from 14 matches. The victory could also see them move up the ladder in the standings. They will take on Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School of Johor at the Likas Stadium on Monday (April 8).