Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Project 2013 finally beat Kiwis

by Hockey NZ

The Malaysian Juniors were able withstand a second-half fight back from the Junior Black Sticks to win the final game of the four game series 2-1 in Dunedin today.
The Junior Black Sticks had sealed the series before today's match doing enough in the previous three games.
Malaysia started off the better of the two teams but let their guard down in the second half almost losing a two goal lead, after the Junior Black Sticks mounted a come back but were unable to find a goal in the final 10 minutes.
Unlike in the previous games the Malaysia started off the best of the two teams, looking dangerous right from the start.
For the whole of the first half Malaysia dominated possession, with small quick passes, running around the Junior Black Sticks defence.
The first goal came in the 8th minute when Mohammad Fitri scoring, after being given a free run inside the circle.
Malaysia scored their second goal from a penalty corner in the 23rd minute after applying a huge amount of pressure on the Junior Black Sticks defence.
The game was played with aggression by both teams with one player from each team being given a yellow card within two minutes of each other.
Malaysia went in to the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.
The Junior Black Sticks came out of the second half a better side and were unlucky in the first 10 minutes not to score.
They finally got on the score board in the 48th minute when Callum Bailey was able to sneak a shot past the front of the goalie to put the Junior Black sticks back in the game.
A minute later the Junior Black Sticks thought they had tied the game up only to have the goal disallowed.
The Junior Black Sticks had the upper hand for the last quarter of the game having a number of chances to score, including three penalty corners.
Even with one if its players sent from the field the Malaysian defense was able to hold on for the win.
Goals: Mohammad Fitri, Nor Faez, Callum Bailey.