But despite putting up a good performance, the struggling visitors could not contain the marauding Lions, who turned on the style in the second half to seal a 3-1 win.
The LionsXII named a severely depleted line-up, with stalwarts Shaiful Esah, Safuwan Baharudin and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud all failing to make the starting 11.
But despite that, the LionsXII began the match with all guns blazing.
And with the game barely ten minutes old, vice-captain Hariss Harun gave the LionsXII the lead. The midfielder took advantage of the confusion in the area caused by Shahdan Sulaiman’s corner to bundle the ball past the line and get the home fans up on their feet.
The goal seemed to have sparked some life back into Felda but their attacking spell was short-lived as the LionsXII defended resolutely, retaining possesion well to put the Felda defence under immense pressure.
But that counted for nothing. Felda were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area after Shakir Hamzah gave away a foul and Felda’s Mohd Nor sent in a brilliant free-kick into the top right-hand corner of the net to level the scores at 1-1.
Felda has the best chance to take the lead going into the break but LionsXII goalkeeper Hyrulnizam pulled off a spectacular save to divert Mohd Nor’s long range shot past the post.
The LionsXII brought on Agu Casmir for the injured Baihakki Khaizan in the second half, with Hariss Harun moving into the heart of defence and Shahdan Sulaiman into midfield to accommodate the burly striker.
And that move seemed to have worked wonders as just five minutes after the restart, the LionsXII were back in front.
Felda were struggling to clear their lines and the ball fell to Shahdan Sulaiman, who unleashed a shot from outside the area. Striker Sufian Anuar had the slightest of touches on the shot, but that enough to send the ball into the back of the net.
The LionsXII injury woes were then compunded when Agu sustained an injury and was forced to leave the pitch after just 18 minutes. Khairul Nizam came on to replace him.
Despite that setback, the LionsXII still managed to extend their lead. Isa Halim’s marauding run into the penalty area was halted abruptly and captain Shahril Ishak made no mistake from the spot to put his side 3-1 up.
Shahril then had the chance to double his tally for the night after Khairul Nizam had been fouled in the area by Felda’s goalkeeper. But the midfielder’s shot was well saved and he sent the rebound way over the crossbar.
Khairul Nizam also spurned a glorious chance to extend the LionsXII lead when he headed a lovely Irwan Shah cross wide with the goal at his mercy.
But the result was enough to send the LionsXII to second place in the table. And fans will be hoping the Lions finish just one place higher when the season ends.
ORIGINAL SOURCE
| # | Team | Pts | MP | W | D | L | Goals | +/- | Total Form |
|---|
| 1. | Kelantan FA | 20 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 16 - 7 | 9 |
| 2. | Singapore Lions XII | 17 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 13 - 8 | 5 |
| 3. | Terengganu | 17 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 11 - 6 | 5 |
| 4. | PBDKT T-Team | 16 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 15 - 6 | 9 |
| 5. | Perak | 16 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 11 - 10 | 1 |
| 6. | Sabah FA | 13 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 10 - 9 | 1 |
| 7. | Negeri Sembilan | 12 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 13 - 13 | 0 | L |
| 8. | Selangor | 12 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 8 - 9 | -1 |
| 9. | Sarawak FA | 11 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 10 - 10 | 0 | L |
| 10. | Selangor PKNS FC | 10 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 11 - 10 | 1 | DDWDD |
| 11. | Johor FC | 10 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 11 - 12 | -1 | LL |
| 12. | Kedah | 10 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 6 - 12 | -6 | WDD |
| 13. | Felda United FC | 7 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 - 15 | -8 | LLLDL |
| 14. | Kuala Lumpur FA | 1 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 2 - 17 | -15 | LLLLL |
| 06.03.2012 | |||
| 12:45 | Singapore LIONSXII | 3-1 | Felda United |
| 04.03.2012 | |||
| 13:45 | Kelantan FA | 2-1 | Negeri Sembilan FA |
| 03.03.2012 | |||
| 13:50 | Kedah FA | 1-0 | Selangor FA |
| 13:50 | Kuala Lumpur FA | 0-1 | Terengganu FA |
| 13:45 | PKNS FC | 2-2 | Perak FA |
| 13:15 | Sabah FA | 2-1 | Johor FC |
| 02.03.2012 | |||
| 13:45 | PBDKT T-Team | 1-0 | Sarawak FA |
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