Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Alex Weaver had previously warned his side to be wary of Courts Young Lions’ determination and spirit, and he was right.

Warriors took what seem like an unassailable three goals lead against Aide Iskandar’s team, but it was reduced to a mere one-goal margin win at the final whistle as the visitors took home a 3-2 victory over the developmental outfit.

Nicholas Velez scored a goal in each half while Marin Vidosevic added Warriors’ third midway through the second half. Substitute Muhaimin Suhaimi pulled a goal back in the 76th minute while Sahil Suhaimi struck a beauty from a set-piece in the dying minutes of the match.

“They gave us a real strong fight. We does not have a good record against the Young Lions,” said Weaver after the match.

“They got this run all night mentality. Not just technically and tactically but also mentally. Credit to Aide, they are struggling down there but it would be easy for them to give in, but they don’t.”

Despite the loss, Aide was not so critical of his players as he praised their attitude on the pitch.

“What is pleasing for me is to see the boys did not give up even after 3-0. We keep believing until the final whistle,” explained the former national skipper.

“We created chances for us to score but Hassan (Sunny) is always splendid. A point should be a fair result.”

Weaver was not about to complain about the slender win after seeing how his side went down 2-1 against the same team in the previous season.

“When you come here (Jalan Besar Stadium), it is very difficult. The pitch and the speedy little tricky guys, they give you lots of problems. So it is a good result,” added Weaver.

“We made it harder than it should have been. It was a great free-kick (Sahil’s goal), right to the top corner. To beat a goalkeeper like Hassan (Sunny), it has got to be quality.”

While both camps raved about Sahil’s goal, Aide admitted that his players need to take this defeat as a lesson and put on a better performance in their next match.

“The two goals that we conceded in the second half, it could have been avoided. That is something which the boys need to learn fast. To give credit, Warriors they have a good attacking prowess upfront,” added Aide.

“Our boys are young, Anu (M.Anumanthan) and Faris (Azienuddin) are 20-year-olds and it is tough for them. They showed they can compete but unfortunately for them in terms of physical strength, they (Warriors) were better.

“I have told the players that we did not play that bad. We were not outplayed but this is football.  Hopefully they learn fast as we get to the SEA Games.”