Central Park v Bandung

The Sharks suffered a surprising poor turnout for the game against Bandung United when only 11 players were available. The much anticipated return of custodian Amran did not materialise when he had to attend to some personal issues at the last minute. In defence, Sarhan were forced to pull out of the game after suffering a severe gash in an earlier game for the Sharks while Irman was called up for some work commitments at the eleventh hour. However, the Sharks welcome back Hidir who has been missing since February and Nawi in the team.

Despite the setbacks, the Sharks were always in control of the game against the visitors. It was no surprise then that they took the lead 10 minutes into the game when a jinking run from Azman on the left found Andrew at the edge of the box. His first time half volley rocked the off the post and into the net. The back three which was marshaled by Salihin were seldom in danger as they were well covered by the Sharks twin defensive midfielder which made up of Jeremy and Terrence who constantly harassed their counterparts into making school-boy errors. With the lead in the bag, the Sharks continued their foray upfront and were unlucky not to go 2 goals up after Azman cross found Zul in the area but the goalkeeper was quick off his line to snuff out the danger. Bandung however came back strongly and were rewarded after a mistake from Hidir allowed his man to roam free on the right and the opponent made no mistake in close range. After taking the lead, the Sharks were put on the back foot and Hidir was booked in the 28th minute after a rash challenge. The resulting free-kick from 30 metres flew wide of of the post to the relieved of the Sharks bench. Andrew however restored the Sharks lead shortly afterwards after a mistake by Bandung defenders. With the heat bearing down on both set of players, mistakes were in abundance and with 10 minutes to go, Bandung snatched another equaliser. This time after a mix-up in defence from the Sharks.

The second-half resumed with the Sharks gaining the upper-hand. Azman restored back the Sharks lead just 5 minutes after the restart off a pass from Jeremy and with Andrew pulling away the Bandung defenders, Azman had a free run in the middle. He made no mistake after side-footing the goalkeeper. The keenly contested game meant both sides had numerous chances on goal but couldn't capitalise. Two golden opportunity fell to Farhhad but while his pace is a constant thorn in Bandung defence, his accuracy is questionable. Andrew was next with the perfect opportunity to increase the Sharks lead but his shot came off the post. Azman would have added another to his tally after doing everything right including beating the custodian, but his shot his the side netting. With both teams contesting this encounter fiercely, it was no surprise that the game were almost abandoned in the 60th minute after an elbow from Bandung players caught Sharks defender Hidir. The latter immediately responded and both sets of players had to be restrained. The game immediately turned ugly with Azman being the target of Bandung uncivilized conduct on the pitch. While victory would be the perfect tonic to sent the visitors packing, the Sharks were unlucky to concede a late goal after a goal-mouth melee with only a minute remaining. Despite the on-field fracas, common sense by both teams meant that there were no off-field incidents. With the draw, the team manager Yusri still eagerly awaits his first win since taking charge.