Kroniz on top of their game

19 Feb: Kroniz battled hard yesterday afternoon at Maktab Duli Field with a narrow 2-1 win over Kg Mata-Mata FC (KMM FC).

Thankfully, they did sufficiently to claim the points in the end. “As far as the players’ [performances] were concerned they have a tendency to please and frustrate you in equal measure, but that’s football.

“We were on top of our game in the first half, though giving away a soft goal made it difficult for ourselves. KMM FC had their chances and made us work hard for the victory.

“The players dug deep, as we aim to win since kickoff,” concluded Bab Kroniz manager. KMM FC could have perhaps snatched a draw in the second half but Kroniz held on.

The game got off to a somewhat robust start when KMM striker conjured up an effort out of nowhere, his attempt slashed wide from way out.

After a quarter of an hour gone, KMM keep trying to make some forays upfront but were kept well in check by Shafie and company in defence.

With the game seemingly descending into lethargy, Asri endeavoured to take the game by the scruff of its neck with a darting run and shot with Aliuddin the provider. Alas, the Asri could not get his bearings right and sizzled his angled drive well wide.

Having come close with goal bound shots from Aming and an eager Fendi in quick succession, the Kroniz eventually got their noses in front on 27 minutes.

Asri raked in a great pass from Gnal’s after throw in and as the KMM defence stood still a soft pass evaded the defence and all was left to Asri to bulge the net, with the simplest of finishes leading 1-0 going into the break.

Going into the second half KMM were made to regret not taking the few goalscoring opportunities that came their way, when the Kronizs score again 5 minutes after the restart.

Dodoi, Kroniz new signing made the KMM pay with his determined effort and darting run moments later, when he was allowed to dribble pass three defenders with only the keeper to beat, he guided the ball into the net leading 2-0.

However, whether it was down to nerves or complacency or not, Kronizs put themselves on the backfoot in the 51st minute. Curiously, the kroniz did not seem to get into their customary stride in the game and proceeded to make unwarranted mistakes, where one moment of indecision of defending, KMM took the advantage and score a goal to closed the gap to 2-1.
KMM were still in the game and their players could have caused a few ripples however kroniz defence held on.

“We deserved a draw, where it was perhaps a fair result. The way we set up ourselves surprised Kroniz a little, and even as we went behind we never sat back, went forward and tried to create chances.” said KMM player.