| Fadhil Yunus |
ITF moved to the top of Group ‘D’ in the Al Idrus Football League Championship after thumping basement dwellers Manggis FC 6-1 at the Sungai Kebun Sports Complex Field recently.
The new league leaders replaced SM FC, who they shared the same number of points with seven, but stole top spot on virtue of goal difference.
Despite the win, ITF’s position at the top of the table hang on the balance as third-placed PMS are breathing down the necks a point behind.
ITF have completed their group matches while PMS are yet to play their final group game.
ITF endured an early setback after Awangku Khairul Lizam bin Pengiran Bungsu gave Manggis FC the lead in the second minute.
However, ITF bounced back through Radiman Abdul Rahman in the 10th minute.
Neither side found the initiative for the rest of the first half until Hamdani bin Haji Tinggal stepped up to put ITF in the ascendancy two minutes after the break.
Radiman netted his brace in the 69th minute before Mustapha bin Haji Saban joined in the act in the 81st minute.
Ratano Haji Tuah added his name in the score-sheet in the 84th minute as Kula Mohammad added gloss to the win a minute from time.
The remaining fixtures in Group ‘D’ see SM FC taking on Mangellela Veteran FC at the Tutong Sports Complex on January 25 and PMS meeting winless Manggis FC at the Sungai Kebun Sports Complex Field on January 27.