Bankers show they mean business
The Brunei Shell FT (in orange) in action in the BPL I last season. The BSFT opened their BPL II campaign with a draw yesterday. Picture: BT
Monday, March 28, 2011
BIBD FT sounded the warning in the DST Group Brunei Premier League II (BPL II) after a 2-1 victory over Lun Bawang at the Batu Apoi Sports Complex in Temburong yesterday.
Formerly known as the Brunei Association of Banks and under a new management, the bankers showed that they are not the same team that lost 4-0 to Lun Bawang last season.
Md Saidy Abdul Rahman fired BIBD FT into the lead in the 61st minute before Ak Md Khairul Anwar Pg Md Salleh Chuchu doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute.
The home team scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute via Christopher Ambon.
BIBD FT manager Pg Shahrul Hayat Pg Hj Shamsu expressed satisfaction at how the team had started their campaign.
"We, the management committee, are satisfied with the players today (Sunday). I admit that in the first half we had problems in trying to break down the opponents' possession. A change of tactic after the break finally allowed us to break the deadlock ... It was a good result to get when taking into account the less than satisfactory condition of the field," said the BIBD FT manager.
The field was in bad condition when the skies opened up over the Batu Apoi Sports Complex. Though the rain subsided midway through the match, the damage had already been done.
"This is a good result to get for the first match ... Of course, the objective of any team's participation in a tournament is to become the champions. If everything goes well for the team then we could probably achieve that target. However, it's only our first match and, therefore, still too soon to draw any conclusions," said Pg Shahrul Hayat.
Meanwhile, the other BPL II match witnessed the Brunei Shell FT (BSFT) stumble in their quest to return to the top-tier league at the Brunei Shell Recreation Club in Seria.
Md Faisul Zaini scored in the 90th minute against Rimba Star FC to force a 1-1 draw.
Md Qamarulludin Abd Rahim fired the visitors' goal in the 36th minute.
With yesterday's matches concluded, it means that all 10 teams already had a taste of the season to come.
Kilanas FC still lead the table following their 4-1 hammering of Menglait FC, who sit last, on Friday.
League namesakes DST Group FT and BIBD FT are level at second place.
In the middle of the table sits organisers the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam's project Brunei Youth Team, Perkasa, BSFT and Rimba Star.
Pointless Muara Vella and Lun Bawang place at the undesired end of the table.
Local football action resumes with the BPL I match between Jerudong FC and leaders the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' Sports Council at the Berakas Sports Complex tomorrow at 8.15pm.
The Brunei Times
Good start for Kilanas
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The triple-header also saw tournament namesakes the DST Group Football Team beat Muara Vella 2-1 at the Berakas Sports Complex, but the real headlines were at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, where goals from brothers Md Saiful Ariffin and Saiful Ammar Hj Adis cancelled out a brace from BYT captain Md Azwan Ali Rahman.
A brainchild of the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD), BYT are regarded as the future of Brunei football and finished a commendable seventh in their debut in the 11-team BPL II last season.
But despite having the upper-hand in yesterday's match which saw both teams forced to play with 10 men in the second half BYT's concentration faded in the last quarter of an hour and let in a sloppy goal which cost them the win.
The most promising player on the pitch, Md Azwan got on the scoresheet in the ninth minute when he controlled a hefty goal-kick from his goalkeeper Ron Junior Philip and scored from inside the box after cutting in from the left flank.
It was 1-1 three minutes later when a mix-up in defence saw Philip rush out of his line to let Saiful Ammar score, but BYT regained the lead in the 32nd minute when Md Azwan kept his composure to slot home a precision pass from Md Nur Ikhwan Othman.
BYT would continue to control the game, and their organisation in midfield meant Perkasa were second best in possession and territory.
The game's complexion changed five minutes from the break when BYT's Md Taufiqillah Abdul Hamid and Perkasa's Masrodie Joinidi were sent to an early shower after a scuffle, but BYT still managed to enjoy the upper hand in the second half.
Md Azwan and Abdul Al-Wardy Abdul Hamid both had chances that were denied by the woodwork, while Perkasa's best attempt was cleared off the line by Md Nazri Hj Erwan.
Running out of steam, Md Azwan was substituted around the hour mark in what was the game's turning point.
Though his replacement Md Shapiee Hj Mohd Efenddy proved to be a menace with his tireless runs, and Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir was a threat down the right flank, Perkasa's experience slowly started to shine through.
Beginning to string passes together and break down BYT's midfield, Perkasa's only fault was they lacked finesse in the final third.
Saiful Ammar had a weak long-range attempt that hardly troubled Philip, but there was nothing the glovesman could do when he punched a shot to Md Saiful Ariffin in the 86th minute, who duly headed home the equaliser.
"Both of us are proud and happy to have scored the goals," said Saiful Ammar after the match.
"It just goes to show that if you work hard anything can happen," added the former BYT player.
Emphasising the importance of a good result in their opener, the late drama was definitely not to Hj Md Rosanan Abdullah Samak's liking.
"They blew it ... Their mentality wasn't strong enough," was all the visibly frustrated BYT coach had to say.
Kilanas' lead at the top of the table isn't set in stone though, as the four remaining clubs in the 10-team league all take to the field tomorrow.
Lun Bawang host Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Football Team (BIBD FT) at the Batu Apoi Sports Complex in Batu Apoi, Temburong, at 3pm, while over at the other end of the Sultanate in the Belait district, Brunei Shell Football Team go up against league debutants Rimba Star FC at the Brunei Shell Recreation Club in Seria at 4pm.
The Brunei Time
Blog admin (Aziz): So guys, do your best, maintain the mood and go for glory..Siuk asanya atas league table ani kan..hehee..all the best, next match bagi 120%..SATURDAY/SABTU 2hb APRIL 2011 KEBAJIKAN 8.15PM vs. DST-GROUP FT..
No comments:
Post a Comment