A HATTRICK by Ashfaq Ali powered Police back to the top of the Premier League as the lawmen hammered Kedah 3-1 at the Darul Aman Stadium in Alor Star as previous leaders Penang slipped to second place after a scoreless draw against SPA Putrajaya.
It was the second hattrick by the Maldives national skipper this season. His first was in the 7-1 drubbing of Perlis. Last night, Ashfaq opened scoring in the 17th minute as he first timed a neat cross by Gambian midfielder Mohamadou Sumareh.
His second came in the 44th minute via a header after Bobby Gonzales’ attempt, also from a Mohamadou cross was blocked by the Kedah goalkeeper. The ball rose high and Ashfaq was on hand to send it back into the net.
After he had completed his hattrick midway in the second half Kedah got a consolation goal through international Baddrol Baktiar.
Police and Penang have 23 points each and are separated by goal difference, but Police also have a game in hand.
At the Selayang Stadium a pumped up Felda United thrashed Perlis 5-1 while Negri Sembilan carved out a 1-0 win over UiTM FC at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi. Sabah were held 1-1 by Johor Darul Takzim 2 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.
Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPPFC) remained at the bottom of the table after a 3-0 defeat to DRB Hicom FC at the City Stadium in Penang.
