KUALA LUMPUR: After three defeats in their opening four Premier League matches, Penang appear to have turned a corner following Friday's 2-0 win over Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) II in Batu Kawan.
It was Penang's second straight win in all competitions after last week's 3-1 success over Police in the second round of the FA Cup.
The win, courtesy of goals from teenage forward Nurfais Johari and Ken Ilso, took Penang up to seventh in the standings on six points.
Penang right-back Yong Kuong Yong, starting his first match of the season, said the team's current run will boost confidence ahead of the FA Cup third round tie against Super League side Perak next weekend.
"Playing Perak won't be easy but we are on a good run now and hopefully we can continue winning," said Kuong Yong, who got his break after injuries to Redzuan Suhaidi (knee) and Khairul Akmal Rokisham (hamstring).
"I thought I did well in my first game this season and I hope I did enough to retain my place for the next match."
Kuong Yong was the only change coach Zainal Abidin Hassan made from last week’s win over Police, while also retaining his trust in Nurfais.
Nurfais, who turns 19 on Mar 27, is quickly making a name for himself in only his second senior start for Penang.
After assisting in two goals in the win over Police in Shah Alam, he scored his first senior goal to set Penang on their way against JDT II, enhancing his chances of being selected for the AFC Under-19 Championship later this year.