http://www.malaysianhockey.blogspot.com/NEGRI Sembilan inched closer to a place in the semis for Division Two of the revived Razak Cup when they defeated Sarawak 4-1 at the MPMBB Stadium in Bukit Serindit in Malacca.
And on the adjacent pitch, Projek 2017 put themselves back in contention for a last four place when they held fancied Selangor to a 2-2 draw in a match the youngsters really should have won.
With six points from the two wins registered thus far, NS had defeated Kedah 4-1 in their opening match on Saturday, they need a draw in their final group match against Sabah on Tuesday to seal their spot.
Had it not been for a last minute goal by Kedah in their 3-2 win over Sabah earlier, NS would have already qualified.
But with a healthy goal difference of plus 6, NS can afford to lose their last preliminary round match and still make the last four.
NS scored their goals through Ganeisha Tamil Chelvam ( 8th and 60th minutes), Azraie Mohd Azizan ( 18th minute) and M. Rageshsawaran ( 33rd minute) while Sarawak hot their consolation through the efforts of Jadiel Saidi ( 50th minute).
The Selangor v Projek 2017 match was a thriller as both teams created enough chances to win the match.
But hasty finishing coupled with the heat denied both teams in a match that the youngsters showed why their future was bright as they matched their more fancied opponents.
Selangor took the lead against the run of play when Noor Mohammad Othman converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute.
But within a space of two minutes the tide turned against Selangor as the young Projek side not only drew level but took the lead.
In the 33rd minute skipper Nor Azrul Abdul Rahman scored off a penalty corner and a minute later Muhd Azwar Abdul Rahman put his team ahead.
Selangor were spared the blushes when Faridzul Afiq Mohammad scored ten minutes from time.
Selangor will now have to defeat Perlis for a place in the semis. A Selangor defeat coupled with a Projek 2017 win by six goals or more against Kelantan will send the youngsters into the semis.
The last preliminary round matches will be played on Tuesday as Monday is a rest day.
