Wake-up call for Bukit Jalil

BUKIT Jalil Sports School received a timely wake-up call, and will be out make amends in the second leg semi-finals of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) today.
BJSS struggled to beat Petaling Jaya City Council 2-1 in the first leg, but it would be foolish to bet against them in the return leg.
In the other semi-finals, Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) will be hard to upset, after they beat Tenaga Nasional 4-1.
“The first half is over, and now we have to play much better in the second half to increase our one-goal cushion. I believe the boys will not disappoint,” said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
Prakash attributes the slim lead to effective man-to-man marking, and cramming the defense.
“My forwards found it hard to break free as PJCC’s marking was good, and even if they managed to penetrate the 25-yard, PJCC defended well in numbers,” said Prakash.
PJSS coach Paul Raj believes his players are ready to cause an upset.
“My play-maker Harmesh (Singh) did not play in the first leg as he injured his knee in a pervious match. But he will be back for the return leg, and I am confident we will knock-out BJSS,” said Raj.
And while Harmesh makes a return, BJSS’ penalty corner flicker Hairulnizam Maizan is a doubtful starter.
“Hairul received six stitches on his eyebrow on Friday, and is a doubtful starter. He scored eight goals, and will surely be missed if he can’t recover in time,” said Prakash.
As for BPSS, they have yet to drop a single point at their home ground in Bandar Penawar, and coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman said Tenaga Nasional jokingly asked him if the return leg could be held at the KLHA Stadium.
“When I shook hands with Nor Azlan Bakar (Tenaga coach) after the match, he jokingly asked me if we could play the return leg in KL because it is difficult to beat us in Bandar Penawar.
“Jokes aside, we will be fielding our best side, and make sure that we take a step closer to our target of lifting the Overall title,” said Wan Roslan.
TODAY -- Semi-finals, second leg: Bandar Penawar Sports School v Tenaga Nasional (Bandar Penawar, 5pm); Petaling Jaya City Council v Bukit Jalil Sports School (National Stadium, 5pm).