Uphill task for MM (The Malay Mail)

KUALA LUMPUR Malay Mail (MM) are ready to throw caution to the wind
against Malacca tonight in a FA Cup return leg first round at Kubu Stadium
though things are not in their favour.
 For the newspaper team, it is like going into battle after a long layoff
whereas Malacca have been active.
 This is because MM are only playing a competitive match four weeks after
their last one, the first leg against Malacca at KLFA Stadium that had
ended 3-3.
 The second leg was to have been played on March 16 but was postponed to
today as the Kubu Stadium was then found by FAM to be unfit for
competition.
 Besides the match between Malacca and MM, the other FA Cup tie postponed
is between Malacca Telekom and Johor FC and it will be played tomorrow at
Kubu Stadium.
 The delay of the FA Cup return leg fixtures did not affect Malacca,
Malacca Telekom and Johor FC as they have been competing in Premier II and
have played six matches since March 19.
 But, MM, who narrowly missed qualifying for Premier II when they were
edged out by Armed Forces in the play-off, do not have such luxury.
 MM, who will also play in the FAM Cup competition kicking off on May 3,
had to arrange for friendly matches to sustain the interest and fitness of
their players.
 MM assistant coach Tony Mariadass said: "It has been difficult for us to
be kept waiting for four weeks to play the return leg.
 "Malacca are involved in the Premier II competition and, having played
six League matches, they are certainly on stride.
 "They have been doing well and are unbeaten at home. Their morale must
surely be high.
 "It is indeed going to be an uphill battle for us, but we have nothing
to lose and everything to gain."
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