BOTTOM-PLACED Perak are still capable of producing a good result.

This was attested by their 2-0 win over Sabah at Perak Stadium on Saturday.

The Perak players, earlier warned by team manager Datuk Jamal Nasir Rasdi their wages would be cut by 20 per cent if they lost, performed with a high level of commitment.

The hosts even took a 2-0 lead by the 20th minute with goals from striker Frank Seator and midfielder Abdoulaye Troare.

Perak could have even won by a bigger margin if not for the in-form Sabah goalkeeper Shamsul Sabtu, who saved at least two good attempts by Seator.

This win may not have lifted Perak from the bottom of the standings but it was crucial in their fight to avoid relegation.

The result was also a respite for coach Toni Netto, whose job was on the line. The well-travelled Brazilian, who steered Perak to the now defunct Premier One title and FA Cup glory, would have been dismissed if the Seladang were to lose to Sabah.

However, Perak must not get carried away with their first win from eight matches.

In fact, this is only the beginning of their fight for survival in the elite league.

Perak have to win five or six of their eight remaining matches in order to avoid the drop.

This is not an easy task because the competition is expected to be stiffer with the league going into its final lap.