| Fadhil Yunus |
PSJD FC continued to pile the pressure on Coneli League 2017/18 leaders Landas after overcoming Samudra RSC in an all-Brunei affair at the Brunei Shell Recreation Centre (BSRC) recently.
The 2-0 victory put PSJD three points behind Landas on 24 points with the latter carrying a slightly superior goal difference.
PSJD team manager Nordin Tujuh has exercised caution in future matches to avoid from being level in points or not being able to be in the position to chase after Landas.
“I am confident that Landas will only require us (PSJD) to draw to ensure that the title will be theirs and we will try to overhaul them especially when facing them on February 25,” the manager added.
The Brunei-based outfit, competing in the DST National Veteran Football League, must earn maximum points against Cbuti Old Starz and Mulu FC in upcoming match-days before they can turn their attention to Landas.
The manager said that it will be a heavy task though they will remain committed as a team to make neat preparations in their last three games with the season set to conclude in March.
“We have already devised a plan by conducting trainings and friendly matches. Besides that, I hope that the players will be motivated and take the initiative to do individual fitness exercises to face the only unbeaten team in the Coneli League.”
Meanwhile, Nordin’s opposite number Samudra RSC Veteran manager Kassim bin Haji Ibrahim asserted that the loss to Samudra SC will not deter their spirits in the remaining matches of the Coneli League.
“We will bounce back in our next match against Perkasa at Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM) on January 28. Our goal is to finish in the top 10 which is still up for grabs,” he said whose side is a point adrift of 10th-placed Prestige.
In their efforts to finish in the top 10, Samudra RSC will continue their training this week to increase their stamina and fitness.
“We have planned to arrange friendly matches on Monday, Thursday and Friday this week.”
“Training and fitness tests will be held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium this week,” he added.
In the first half between PSJD and Samudra, both sides managed to offset each other strengths with the former setting the tone in midfield while Samudra looked effective to nullify any threat thrown their way.
PSJD were blessed with a midfielder who provided the main source of attack and proved a constant menace to the Samudra defence.
The local league dark horses are also bolstered with an experienced attacking force.
In the second half, Samudra’s focus appeared to be diminishing as PSJD changed their pattern of play by pumping long balls forward and utilising the pace of the wingers leaving Samudra players in uncertainty.
PSJD’s system worked in their favour as they found two goals in the space of five minutes after the hour mark.
PSJD and Samudra RSC are the country’s representatives in the Malaysian-based league.
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