MATCH REPORT: Sarawak 2-1 Sime Darby FC

The Crocs can count themselves lucky after the defeated Sime Darby FC 2-1 at home tonight.

The dramatic game saw the Crocs controling the game, but opted to slow the pace of the game as they found themselves struggling to surge forward in the early minutes of the game.

Several crosses made by Joseph Kalang into the center of the Sime Darby area were also not controlled well when it reached its destination hence making the game very much dry from any dangerous action.

Ivan Fatic whom returned from his suspension bossed the midfield with Sharol Saperi, as the duo sprayed some great passes around the field. Nonetheless, with Billy Mehmet and Ryan Griffith both tightly marked, Sarawak had nothing much to show off.

In the 40th minute, Sarawak were forced to play with ten men after Ramesh Lai was given a red card for a foul over Fahrul Razi. The Crocs had to regroup in their defences with Sarawak head coach Robert ALberts opting to sacrifice Joseph for defender Mazwandy Zakeria.

The decision didn’t go well with Joseph whom showed his diffidence at half time by not entering the dressing room and choosing to stay seated at the bench.

The second half saw the Crocs press harder for the opening goal and newly signed Patrick Gerthardt didn’t disappoint as he slammed in a long distance kick in the 47th minute to put the home side ahead in the game. The joy was however short lived when a penalty was awarded to Sime Darby for a handball in the box.

Sime Darby’s Reinaldo da Costa made no mistake to trick Fadley Rahim into diving the wrong way, hence putting the score back level.

The goal demoralized the Crocs with Sime Darby taking advantage of their numbers to stage dangerous raids against the defending Crocs.

In the 71st minute, Stadium Negeri roared loud thanks to Billy when he blasted the ball past Suffian Abdul Rahman, putting the Crocs ahead again.

Sime Darby went on the offensive from then on, but Fadzley Rahim was well prepared to deny each attacks to the Sarawak goal, with Patrick and Hairol Mokhtar clearing any dangerous attacks coming their way.

With time fast running out, the Crocs defended in numbers to deny Sime Darby’s advances with the Crocs finally ending their losing streak when the referee blew the final whistle.