Acton gets praise from Nicholls for fine showing in Kaya's busy week

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Many Kaya fans got shocked when former star goalie Nick O'Donnell left for Global and got curious on what new signing Matt Acton can bring.

In a historically hectic week, the Australian netminder showcased his stuff, limiting Hong Kong football powerhouse Kitchee to only one goal in Kaya's first AFC Cup outing on Tuesday night and coupling it with a clean sheet against Voltes on Saturday night in the UFL Cup.

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Kaya assistant coach Steve Nicholls lauded him.

"He played very well. He made a great save there, so we kept a clean sheet tonight. He has a good, solid character at the back. He keeps the boy on his toes, and I think having a player like that is what you need," Nicholls said about Acton, who once played for A-League side Brisbane, after the win against Voltes.

In general, the Kaya coach believes the club has all the needed tools to be a solid team not just for the UFL but for the AFC Cup as well this season.

"We have the strength from back to front. It's certainly a benefit," Nicholls bragged about his team, which also has star striker OJ Porteria, supersub Jovin Bedic, and former national team skipper Aly Borromeo.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno