Head coach Benjamin Mora hailed Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) return to the top of the Malaysia Super League (MSL) after his side battled back from two goals down to beat 10-man Kelantan 3-2 on Wednesday night.
The three-time defending champions conceded twice within the first 15 minutes at Kota Bharu before finding a way to secure a precious three points.
"It was not easy playing Kelantan at their stadium, losing 2-0 and then coming back to win 3-2. We came to take three points and succeeded. I'm really happy with the players who carried out their roles brilliantly," reflected Mora, via the Southern Tigers Facebook page.
JDT will now prepare for the visit of PKNS FC on Saturday in the MSL, confident of another victory to maintain their one point lead at the top.
Despite playing their fourth game in 12 days, the Southern Tigers showed plenty of will and fighting spirit at a capacity Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium. JDT clinched their sixth league victory after quickfire double from Argentine striker Gabriel Guerra in the space of two first-half minutes.
Safiq Rahim set the tone for the comeback with a sumptuous free kick, and the captain's goal underlined his importance to the reigning league champions.
The set-piece specialist has now been involved in 10 of JDT's last 12 strikes in the MSL, with five goals and five assists.
"We knew if we won, JDT would top the league. It was what we wanted for a long time. We will continue to fight in the same manner and keep up the good work," added Mora.
The Mexican could once again tinker with his selection ahead of the Saturday match, as JDT maintain their assault on all fronts, despite tired legs.
After the Larkin clash, Mora and his men will fly to Cambodia to face Boeung Ket Angkor in Group F of the AFC Cup next Wednesday.
JDT, who are second in the group, still have work to do to make it to the knockout stages, with only group winners assured of automatic qualification.