Sunday, October 11, 2009
Johor v Terengganu 2-4
OK, I was pleasantly surprised. I went to this game with no expectations whatsoever and to be fair if you had to choose a Malaysia Cup tie to see this wouldn't have been on the list but it was all I had and it weren't bad.
The first 45 minutes were goaless before the visitors took the lead right on half tme with a sweet half volley from the edge of the area.
The home soared, roared on by a crowd of dozens,equalised with a penalty that was so soft they hadn't even bothered appealling.
There was then a red card for some home player who wrestled some visiting player to the ground and then it was 2-1, 3-1 to the visitors.
Johor didn't give up and pulling one back it was game on. But not for long and Terenggani make the long journey back to the north east feeling very happy with themselves.
There were spells of absolute tedium during the game, we're talking early 80s Aldershot tedium here, but at the same time there were some sublime moments from both teams.
There was plenty of movement up front, especially from Terengganu who looked to break the offside trap and did so pretty often.
But all too often promising moves were broken up by a poor final ball or comical ball control.
Larkin Stadium is pretty easy to get to from Singapore. Just jump on any Johore Bahru bound bus from Queen Street, do the passport thingy twice then stay on the bus until the Larkin bus terminal. The stadium is a short 10-15 minute walk from the terminal past a hotel.
Don't try and follow the crowds. There are none. Just like there is no souvenirs on sale. The stadium is an all purpose sports stadium replete with running track and sand pit with one main stand covered but temporarily out of action. Take your chances on the open stand opposite...
The first 45 minutes were goaless before the visitors took the lead right on half tme with a sweet half volley from the edge of the area.
The home soared, roared on by a crowd of dozens,equalised with a penalty that was so soft they hadn't even bothered appealling.
There was then a red card for some home player who wrestled some visiting player to the ground and then it was 2-1, 3-1 to the visitors.
Johor didn't give up and pulling one back it was game on. But not for long and Terenggani make the long journey back to the north east feeling very happy with themselves.
There were spells of absolute tedium during the game, we're talking early 80s Aldershot tedium here, but at the same time there were some sublime moments from both teams.
There was plenty of movement up front, especially from Terengganu who looked to break the offside trap and did so pretty often.
But all too often promising moves were broken up by a poor final ball or comical ball control.
Larkin Stadium is pretty easy to get to from Singapore. Just jump on any Johore Bahru bound bus from Queen Street, do the passport thingy twice then stay on the bus until the Larkin bus terminal. The stadium is a short 10-15 minute walk from the terminal past a hotel.
Don't try and follow the crowds. There are none. Just like there is no souvenirs on sale. The stadium is an all purpose sports stadium replete with running track and sand pit with one main stand covered but temporarily out of action. Take your chances on the open stand opposite...
# posted by Me @ 7:51 AM 
