16 Jan KL Plus hit the summit

KL Plus FC moved to the top of the Malaysian Super League (MSL) with a 3-1 win over Penang at the KLFA Stadium last night. Mat Zan Mat Aris’ boys pressured the visitors from the start, with Bobby Gonzales’ long range effort testing Penang goalkeeper Mohd Faizal Mohd Yusof in the 17th minute. KL Plus drew first blood through Nuradli Pauzee in the 38th minute but their joy was short-lived as Penang equalised in stoppage time through Mohd Idzuan Halim’s header from a S.Jeganathan freekick. Two minutes into the second half Gonzales, who was a thorn in the side of the Penang defenders, put KL Plus ahead through a penalty after he was brought down by Mohd Faizal. The lethal Gonzales then put the match beyond doubt in the 58th minute with his second goal after rounding keeper Mohd Faizal. The win is KL Plus’ third-in-a-row adding to wins at Pahang (1-0) and Terengganu (2-1). “We played well and we took our chances, and I am proud of the players. They deserved the win. Penang played well, but like I’ve said before we have a long way to go in the season, and we must remain focused and dedicated,” said Mat Zan after the match.

Johor FC ended Selangor’s three match unbeaten run at the Jcorp Stadium in Johor with a well deserved 2-1 win despite playing with 10 man after keeper Mohd Anis Faron was sent-off in the eighth minute for bringing down Amirulhadi Zainal in the box. Selangor hitman Safee Sali took his tally for the season to four after he put away the resulting penalty. But Johor FC made the most of their home advantage and levelled the score in the 24th minute through former international Eddy Helmi. From then on Johor FC pushed for the winner and were rewarded for their persistence in the 76th minute through Hamzani Omar.

* AT the Paroi Stadium, Negri Sembilan bounced back from their defeat last week to Selangor with a 3-0 win over Perak. Negri Sembilan opened accounts through Shahurain Samah in the 17th minute with Rahman Zabol adding the second in the 36th minute while Mohd Aidil Zafuan scored their third in the 50th minute. * AT the Utama Stadium, defending champions Kedah suffered their third defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Perlis. * AT the Sultan Mohamed IV Stadium, hosts Kelantan hammered Police 4-2 while Pahang notched their first win after beating UPB MyTeam 1-0 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.