BY ZULHILMI ZAINAL Follow on Twitter
Pahang captain Matthew Davies has remarked that it will be difficult not to concede a goal to Perak when they face off.
Pahang will host Perak this Saturday in the first leg of their Malaysia Cup quarter-final tie, at the Darulmakmur Stadium.
Although the Elephants will be playing at home, the right back told Goal that the Bos Gaurus are a good side and it will be difficult for the hosts to keep a clean sheet against the visitors.
"Under the circumstances we need to keep our eyes on the home leg. With these big games you need to go into the following game with some sort of advantage, knowing you're going to be at a disadvantage playing away from home. It's also important not to concede at home.
"There is a possibility of us conceding at home as Perak are a good team. Ideally we'd like to keep them out and get a clean sheet ahead of the second leg. But it doesn't always go to plan and we have to give them a lot of respect," explained the 22-year old defender in a telephone conversation with Goal.
He also admitted that the Malaysia Cup is his last chance at silverware this season, when pointed out by us.
Davies has been in two final matches this season; the FA Cup final with Pahang against Kedah in May, and the SEA Games final with Malaysia U22 against Thailand U22 in August. Unfortunately for him both matches, which coincidentally were held at the same venue; the Shah Alam Stadium, ended in defeats. Although Pahang are currently third in the Super League standings, rivals JDT have already confirmed their title win in August with three matches to spare.
"It is kind of a do-or-die mission, a last good chance to win something this year. We're doing our best and working hard, not everyone can win every season but we're hoping that this is the cup for us this year," he noted.
However, he believes that caretaker head coach Ahmad Shaharuddin Rosdi is capable of taking them far for the remainder of the season. Elephants head coach Dollah Salleh is currently serving an 18-month suspension from the Malaysian FA for criticising the quality of refereeing.
"There's no doubt that Dollah's suspension is a big loss for our team, but having said that Shah has had experiencing coaching first team football, a lot of experience at the national level and he's certainly highly-regarded by Pahang fans and players alike.
"I think he certainly has what it takes to a very good coach," he remarked.
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