PETALING JAYA: Brunei coach Jamie McAllister was delighted to get their first win after six matches this season in the Super League after edging Melaka 1-0 at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Tuesday.
A rough start to the season was made a little better for the Brunei squad, and McAllister was glad his side finally got the three points.
“I’m just delighted with the three points,” said the Scottish coach.
“I think the players have worked hard the last few games and not got the rewards.
“There are many different ways to win and for us it was one of those nights that you want by keeping a clean sheet away from home. Our goalkeeper made some outstanding saves, he was in top form and the team defended really well together.”
Brunei goalie Haimie Abdullah Nyaring made his mark early in the game when he saved Abdul Azim’s penalty in the 26th minute.
Ten minutes later, Brunei got ahead when Jordan Murray converted a spot-kick awarded to them after the ball struck Melaka player Irfan Zakaria’s hand inside the box.
In the second half, Haimie stepped up once again when Melaka were given another penalty in the 82nd minute as he managed to stop Danilo Magalhaes’ spot-kick.
“There were some ‘interesting’ decisions from the officials, but at the end of the day, we won the game,” said McAllister. “We had to play ugly, which was to defend, tackle, run, and fight.
“We’re away from home playing against many different factors, so I think the boys dug in and got the job done.
“I’m delighted to get the win and hopefully this gives the players a bit more belief to try and build on,” he said.
The win sees Brunei move up to ninth place with four points, as they previously recorded one draw and four losses.
McAllister’s team will have some time to regroup before they play their next Super League fixture against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on Oct 25.
