2 yellow cards, 1 send-off at APL 2nd matchday

It was a public holiday and perfect for the Akaal Premier League (APL) to resume its competitive festivities early in the morning.

After their sobering defeat to the unassuming Akaal Warriors in the morning of Sept 24, the Pulapol Eagles had to prove their pedigree as favourites of the tournament. A win would get them to the pinnacle of the league table.

The Eagles answered their critics with another high scoring opening match, thoroughly dominating and beating the Titiwangsa Panthers with a score of 8-2.

Meanwhile, table toppers Rawang Akaal Warriors encountered a tougher Kampung Pandan Lions team than we had witnessed on the first day of the tournament. The score was level at half time leaving the second half all to play for. This half proved to be a thrilling match with the Warriors nicely winning 5-2.

The Titiwangsa Panthers have yet to notch any points from their couple of opening games and needed to remain relevant in the league. Their 1-1 draw with the Beruntung Hill Twin Lions was a relief to all, a well fought point won in the end.

The morning heat was rising as the second round of games for the day progressed. With the 10-0 hammering by the Pulapol Eagles on opening day still fresh in their minds, the Iron River Kings had revenge set on their minds.

With a very much overall improved performance from the Kings, a narrow defeat to the favorite Eagles was all they could muster. Nevertheless, their first goal scored in the tournament was celebrated with gusto but their position still rooted at the bottom of the league.

The very first North Selangor derby saw the most thrilling match for Matchday 2. The tense drama unfolded rapidly with two yellow cards, one red card sent off for the Akaal Warriors and a penalty for the Beruntung Hill Twin Lions.

The Akaal Warriors lived up to their name of undying warrior spirit, winning the game 2-1 against all odds with a player down.

The final match of the day required vast improvements from the Iron River Kings to lift themselves up from being bottom dwellers of the league. However, the game ended in a stalemate with the Kampung Pandan Lions. With three shots hitting the woodwork, the Lions were indeed unfortunate to only walk away with a point.

The drama will further unfold on the morning of 1 Nov. Stay tuned.