KUCHING: Brunei DPMM FC head coach McAllister James Reynolds said his side “put a good team under pressure” throughout their match against Kuching City FC.
He felt they were unlucky not to leave with a point after their late equaliser was overturned following a VAR review.
Reynolds praised his players for rising to the challenge despite the wet conditions, describing the match as an intense, physical battle from start to finish.
“I thought both teams were at it. We dealt with their physicality really well. Every one of our players, especially in the first half, was strong and aggressive in one-on-one battles.
“We created some good chances, and the offside goal was really tight,” he told a post-match press conference last night (Nov 22)
He added that DPMM showed they could trouble one of the league’s most organised sides in Kuching City FC.
“We put a good team under pressure, causing problems. They’re a strong, good team, so you’ve got to respect that,” he said.
Reynolds said Kuching City saw more of the ball in the second half, forcing DPMM to defend deep and rely on counter-attacks. The visitors thought they had snatched a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute, only for the goal to be overturned.
Despite the defeat, Reynolds said the performance reflected encouraging growth from his squad, who are still adjusting to the demands of the league after a difficult previous outing.
“The players are learning every day. They’re getting better, stronger, believing more in themselves,”
“I thought every player gave everything tonight. That’s all you can ask as a coach,” he said.
Reynolds said the team’s resilience, effort and organisation form a foundation to build on.
“The players should take great pride and confidence from what they delivered tonight,”
“That’s a foundation now that I think we can go and build the next few games. We’ll look forward to the next game,” he said.
