Mathen rescues Malay Mail (The Sunday Times)

KL Malay Mail ... 1
Kelantan TNB .... 1

Police .......... 0
Armed Forces .... 0
KUALA Lumpur Malay Mail, hoping to find a place in Premier Two this
season, had S. Mathen to thank for helping gain a point in their opening
qualifying match against Kelantan TNB at the Bank Simpanan Nasional ground
in Bangi yesterday.
 With the clock fast ticking and Malay Mail trailing by an early TNB
goal, Mathen came to the rescue when he scored a penalty in the 83rd
minute. Morhim Abdullah had given TNB the lead in the 16th minute.
 The first half belonged to TNB and the took the lead when Morhim headed
the ball home from close range off a cross by Ruslan Ismail.
 TNB could have gone 2-0 up shortly after by ex-international and
Kelantan player Salim Mahmood failed to score from close range.
 TNB had difficulty sustaining their dominance and Malay Mail slowly
pulled themselves back into the match.
 They had several chances but the TNB defence refused to break until the
83rd minute when Mathen was brought down by Ruslan. Mathen easily
converted.
 In another match, Police and Armed Forces struggled to a scoreless draw
at the neighbouring Petronas ground.
 Police keeper P.T. Asogan was their hero yesterday as he kept ARmed
Forces at bay with his good anticipation and execellent saves.
 Police taken on Malay Mail at the Petronas ground tomorrow while Forces
go up against TNB at the BSN ground. Both matches kick-off at 4.30pm.
                              (END)