match report - selangor 5-2 pahang rangers
A real battle between first and third in Shah Alam and it was Edgar Baldasso's side that kept up their 100% record and extended their lead at the top of the table.
Top against third in the game of the day as Selangor looked to maintain their 100% record against a Pahang Rangers side they’d already beaten 5-3 earlier in the season.
Pahang coach Eloy Alonso started in very positive fashion using the flying goalkeeper from the first whistle, but they failed to take advantage of the powerplay although they did eventually find a way through Selangor’s defences in the 12th minute.
Syarifuddin Akhir fired in a low shot that was turned in on the line by Felipe De Souza.
The first half was a niggly affair with lots of fouls, and after conceding their fifth foul Pahang gave away a second penalty, which Marlon blasted home to level at 1-1.
Two minutes into the second half Marlon scored his second and a contender for goal of the season, a stunning strike into the top corner from distance.
But from there it started to get bad tempered. Pahang keeper Afiq Abdul Rahman came flying out of his goal and flattened Nazreen Saudi. Rahman received a red card and Nazreen was carried off on a stretcher.
Selangor further extended their lead when Evandro Borges got on the scoresheet to make it 3-1, then another high challenge from Ahmad Harith saw Evandro Borges carried off, no red card this time but because Pahang already had five fouls, it gave Marlon another chance from the second penalty and he fired home again to complete his hat-trick.
Khairul Effendy fired in a fifth as Edgar Baldasso’s side extended their lead at the top to eight points over Johor Darul Ta’zim who don’t play until Sunday.
Pahang scored a late consolation in the final minute after Sirhan Aiman found a way through.
Both sides are in action on Sunday as Selangor play USM and Pahang take on Terengganu.
Man of the Match, Marlon (Selangor)
