KEDIRI, February 28 (Liga Indonesia) - Liga Indonesia reigning champions Persik Kediri are back on top of the western conference table, following a 3-1 defeat of visitors PSDS Deli Serdang on Tuesday.
Indonesian international forward Budi Sudarsono was back on form by netting a brace after being left out of the squad in Persik's first four matches.
Budi's two goals in the 30th and 47th minute routed PSDS after Brazilian playmaker Danilo Fernando had opened scoring for the "White Tigers" in the 14th minute.
PSDS netted a consolation through Imam Faisal when he converted a penalty in the 51st minute.
With the result, Persik are back on top of the western conference standings, knocking off leaders PSMS Medan, who have a game in hand.
In another western conference match, hosts Persema Malang defeated Persiraja Banda Aceh 2-0 with goals from Chilean striker Hector Velazquez and Nurul Huda in the 56th and 68th minute.
Persema also moved up the standings to second place with an identical record to Persik but with a more inferior goal difference.
In the eastern conference, host Arema Malang got a disappointing result for the second match in a row after being held to a goalless draw by Sulawesi-based outfit Persma Manado.
Three days ago, Arema were also held for a stalemate by another Sulawesi-based side Persibom Bolaang Mongondow.
Meanwhile Persibom were left to rue their ill-fated visit to Pasuruan after being defeated by host Perskabpas 4-1.
Persekabpas Nigerian striker Michael Ikene Ikenwa struck twice in the 24th and 30th minute and Rully Pandengke and Andi Oddang added the third and fourth goal in the 58th and 67th minute respectively.
Persibom's central defender Kingsley Chioma netted a consolation seconds before the final whistle.
Budi's two goals in the 30th and 47th minute routed PSDS after Brazilian playmaker Danilo Fernando had opened scoring for the "White Tigers" in the 14th minute.
PSDS netted a consolation through Imam Faisal when he converted a penalty in the 51st minute.
With the result, Persik are back on top of the western conference standings, knocking off leaders PSMS Medan, who have a game in hand.
In another western conference match, hosts Persema Malang defeated Persiraja Banda Aceh 2-0 with goals from Chilean striker Hector Velazquez and Nurul Huda in the 56th and 68th minute.
Persema also moved up the standings to second place with an identical record to Persik but with a more inferior goal difference.
In the eastern conference, host Arema Malang got a disappointing result for the second match in a row after being held to a goalless draw by Sulawesi-based outfit Persma Manado.
Three days ago, Arema were also held for a stalemate by another Sulawesi-based side Persibom Bolaang Mongondow.
Meanwhile Persibom were left to rue their ill-fated visit to Pasuruan after being defeated by host Perskabpas 4-1.
Persekabpas Nigerian striker Michael Ikene Ikenwa struck twice in the 24th and 30th minute and Rully Pandengke and Andi Oddang added the third and fourth goal in the 58th and 67th minute respectively.
Persibom's central defender Kingsley Chioma netted a consolation seconds before the final whistle.
Copyright (c) Press Association
