Div 2 :: Off-target MBPJ now fighting for survival

Former champions Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) wanted to finish among the top three in the Division Two (Under-19) of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

But with just two matches to play in the 12-team league, they are fighting to finish among top six to qualify for the quarter-finals.

MBPJ will play against Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) Juniors today and they will wrap up their league fixtures against Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) on Friday.

Coach Paul Raj said: “I am disappointed that we failed to achieve our target.

“We have a well-balanced team but the downfall was conceding goals in the dying minutes of matches.

“We should have collected full points against Tenaga Nasional and Olak (Old La Sallians Association of Klang) but settled for draws.”

Paul added that he wanted the players to stay focused for the entire 70 minutes in the remaining two matches.

“We have to beat BJSS Juniors’ today to seal a place in the quarter-finals.

“And I have warned the players not to take the sports school juniors lightly even though they are out of contention for a place in the quarter-finals,’’ he said.

The top six teams from Division Two and top two from Division Three will feature in the knockout stage.