Young Ashri rescues S’wak

KUCHING: Sarawak’s clash with Felda United FC on Saturday was a must-win match for the Crocs if they wish to remain in Super League contention this season.

It was local boy from Lawas Ashri Chuchu who fired the winning goal thus saving the Crocs another potential lost points in-front of their adoring home crowds.

“Ashri is a potential football star and his goal gave Sarawak the full points. His contribution is enormous. He is still 23-years old and could progress to play for the national squad,” said Sarawak head coach Robert Albert to The Borneo Post.

Roberts however commented that Ashri is still somewhat inconsistent and needs to further improve in some areas of his play.

On the match, the Sarawak coach revealed that teamwork seems to be lacking in the first half. The players are eager and nor calm enough to inflict serious damage to the Felda United’s defence. “Hairol, as the captain, must exert more dominance in midfield. The other players must have more communication on the pitch. This is the Super League and we must adapt to the demands of it,” said Alberts.

Felda United’s goal in the 36th minute was due to sloppy defending which gave Mohd Firdaus the opportunity to breech the Croc’s defensive line.

Vedran Muratovich’s equaliser in the 46th minute was a brilliant sole effort, a prelude to his goal poaching prowess which augurs well for Sarawak. He ran down the right flank and rifled an unstoppable shot that gave Felda United’s keeper Mohd Hamsani Ahmad no chance. Ashri’s goal was as an opportunistic strike after a one-two with Muratovich.

With the win, Sarawak’s are on the ascend of the MSL ladder and gave much optimism for their encounter against Johor FC on Valentine’s Day.

There would be no love lost between this two familiar nemeses.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02/13/young-ashri-rescues-swak/#ixzz1ooBKLWPy by Matthew T. Umpang. Posted on February 13, 2012, Monday