Rexjeson fires Juniors to victory

New Sabah Times

MATCH-WINNER … Rexjeson Pitirus (left), strikes the solitary goal.

KOTA KINABALU: Second-half substitute Rexjeson Pitirus guided Sabahawks Juniors to their first win in the second round of the President’s Cup challenge after edging Melaka 1-0 at the Hang Tuah Stadium yesterday. The Keningau-born striker, who came in for midfielder Fread Filemon Saih in the 70th minute, struck the solitary goal of the day three minutes from regulation time.

 He flicked the ball pass the onrushing Melaka custodian after being put through by Sabri Sahar. Sabahawks Junior assistant coach, Burhan Ajui when contacted was delighted with the win. “Today (yesterday) the players showed great determination to win, which I am very proud off,” said Burhan. “It was quite a tough match, as the scoreline suggests, but I think we had the better possession, especially in the second half.

 “We created numerous goal-scoring opportunities, but only managed to score one. However, what is important is the three points, which I believe will help instill greater confidence into the team,” he added. The three points gained helped Sabahawks Juniors unseat Melaka from the ninth spot. They have now collected 27 points from six wins, nine draws and four defeats, while Melaka dropped to 10th on 25 points.

 Sabahawks Juniors could even move further up to eighth or ninth in the 18-team standings should matches involving Police-Penang and Kelantan-SSTMI favour them. Penang went into yesterday’s tie on 26 points while SSTMI on 25. Both sides were playing away. At press time, results involving the two teams were still unavailable.