By JOSEPH KAOS Jr – KUALA TERENGGANU: Despite failing to continue their giant-killing spree against Johor Darul Takzim (JDT), the youthful T-Team FC can walk tall after their 1-0 loss to the star-studded opponents at the Larkin Stadium on Saturday.  

JDT, boasting former Euro 2008 winner Spaniard Daniel Guiza and national team players Safee Sali and Norsharul Idlan Talaha, netted their goal in the first half through Guiza. 

It was a different story in the second half, as T-Team, led by former Middlesbrough player George Boateng, kept JDT desperately back-pedalling.  

Coach Peter Butler was especially pleased with his young charges and felt that his team deserved at least a share of the spoils. 

“I think JDT were really lucky in the second half. We certainly deserved a point in that game. 

“In the first half, my boys were under pressure. That’s normal, because they were facing a team with super stars and an intimidating crowd. 

“In the second half, we changed it around, and I am really proud of them. They are young but they gave a gutsy performance. We played better football and created better chances. We couldn’t score and lost, but that’s football,” said Butler. 

Inexperience may have been the reason why T-Team could not convert their chances but Butler defended his decision to field youngsters.  

“The future of football in this country are the youngsters. How do they gain experience? They have got to play and be given a chance. I am not afraid to use youngsters and I will continue to do so because I believe in them. 

“I will continue to develop young players. I am backed by a good group of people in the coaching department who want to do the right things,” said the Englishman.  

T-Team are now in ninth place with six points after six matches.  

The six points came two 1-0 wins at home against 2012 treble winners Kelantan and Super League runners-up Lions XII.  

They take on fellow club side Felda United at the Sultan Ismail Stadium tomorrow. 

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