PETALING JAYA: Perak showed little rust after their seven-week break from competitive games as they were still able to edge Negri Sembilan 1-0 in their Super League match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium on Saturday.
The Seladang’s last league game was against Kuching City on July 30, which they lost 1-2 in Ipoh.
Perak coach Yusri Che Lah said that of all the clubs in the league, they had to wait the longest to resume action after their last fixture.
“Despite the seven-week break, my boys still kept their shape and maintained their fitness. Negri may not have given us the best fight but we still had to work hard for this win. Now I hope we can end our wait for a win at home,’’ he said.
All of Perak’s three wins out of eight matches so far have come from away matches. Their other two wins were against Kedah (2-0) and Kelantan (3-1).
Yusri, however, still has his worries after the win over Negri as he was not happy with the team’s finishing.
“We defended well and had a lot of good counter-attacking chances which we wasted.’’
Against Negri, Brazilian striker Clayton Silva scored Perak’s solitary goal in the 48th minute.
While Silva gets the kudos, Yusri also praised veteran winger Wan Zack Wan Haikal, who has been the team’s creative force together with Argentinian midfielder Luciano Guaycochea.
“I’ve been with Wan Zack for three seasons. Despite his injury issues, he has bounced back to play a key role. His character and spirit have rubbed off well on the others.’’
Perak are now eighth in the league with nine points while Negri remain 12th with three.
