Despite the high hopes shouldered onto the Crocs in their debut game against The Gladiators, it was proven that Sarawak needs something more than just ‘big’ signings in the Super League.
The Crocs faltered 2-0 to ATM FA, marking the end to their unbeaten run in the Malaysian League, directly scoring no points in their opening game in the 2014 Super League.
Despite dominating possession in the first half of the game, poor communication and lack of experience showed the Crocs were no match for the more experienced opponent in Selayang Stadium with the attacking force led by Marlon Alex and Juan Arostegui ravaging past the once solid Sarawak back line.
To add salt to the defeat, Sarawak foreign striker Muamer Salibasic had to be stretched out in the early moments of the game, with his replacement Alireza Abbasfard far from impressing the Crocs away fans.
But the game was not without ample chances for the Crocs.
Within minutes of the game, Ashri Chuchu almost put his side in front, but his shot was saved for a fruitless corner.
Another chance came through Muamer moments later, but he too failed to head in a beautiful corner taken by Mohd Lot.
The frustration grew for Sarawak as a through ball for ATM found Marlon whom out ran his marker, before calmly lobbing it over rushing Sani Anuar to put the Crocs behind the home team.
Sarawak regained possession but a free kick powered by Milorad Janjus, and a powerful driver by Gabor Gyepes failed to hit the back of the net for the Crocs.
Instead, it was ATM who increased their lead in the game in the 34th minute when unmarked Christoe Jeyaselan easily drove one into the back of Sarawak’s net.
Sarawak tried to decrease the deficit but a shot by Milorad in the dying minutes of the game, including a fantastic dribble by Joseph failed to beat ATM’s goalkeeper Syed Adney, whom was indeed on form.
At the restart, Sarawak showed more urgency to seek a goal, but ATM tightened their grip on both Milorad and Alireza, hence limiting Sarawak’s attacking options.
Syed yet again denied Sarawak a goal when a thunderous shot-on-goal by Milorad was pushed out for a poor rebound kick by Ashri.
A beautiful ‘lobbing effort’ by Joseph then came, but his lob was inches wide off the target.
This was then followed by an effort by Reesyafiq Alwi, whom ballooned what could be Sarawak’s first goal of the season.
With time fast running out, Sarawak head coach included Junior Eldstal and Akmal Rizal for the likes of Mohd Lot Hassan and Ashri.
Their inclusion did energize Sarawak’s game play, but was not adequate to help the Crocs gain any goals for the night hence giving the Gladiators the full three points for the night.
FULL TIME: ATM FA 2-0 SARAWAK FA
Photo courtesy of UltraCrocs
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