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KOTA KINABALU: Alto Linus was the hero for Sabah  Tambadaus as he scored the only goal in the game to help his team edge Negeri Sembilan 1-0 for a hard fought victory in the Premier League clash  at the Likas Stradium, Saturday night.

With Terengganu II thrashed by JDT II 5-0 , while previous leaders UiTM only managing a goalless draw with Kelantan in matches held on Friday, Sabah had an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top and also to distance themselves from the chasing pack .

However, despite their home ground advantage, the players seem unable to handle the three-week break of the competition for the fasting month.

They looked rusty and were unable to play their normal game, allowing the visitors who obviously looked more threatening on the night to dictate the game.

The home side have their defence marshalled by newlywed skipper Rawilson Batuil to thank for, as they stood firm to thwart the opposition’s attacks while goalkeeper Rozaimie Rohim also at his elements to deny any shots that managed to penetrate the defence.

The winning goal was a result of a goalmouth melee in the 66th minute following a free kick taken by Koren import Park Taesu  awarded to Sabah just outside the box.

Sabah newly signed  import Aguinaldo Mendes Veiga who was making his home debut  had his attempt headed out by one of the defender before Alto, who is one of the most senior players in the team, put in his third goal of the season.

With three points in the bag, Sabah are now in second place with 28 points, and only a point behind leaders JDT II, but have a game in hand.

They will next take on PFRM away on Wednesday (June 19) before the Borneo derby with Sarawak here at Likas Stadium on June 26.