Sabah's Stanley Bernard Samuel (right) is tackled by Kuala Lumpur's Shahrom Abdul Kalam. — Bernama picture

Sabah's trip to the Peninsular yielded only one point from a 0-0 draw with Terengganu on Saturday when they were on the back foot for most of the game, while Tuesday's visit to Cheras ended in a 1-0 defeat to Kuala Lumpur.

Phillips said Sabah should have returned home with all three points from the KLFA Stadium after Farid Ideris, Zainizam Marjan and Shahrul Azhar Ture squandered several clear cut chances while newly acquired striker Stanley Bernard Samuel barely had a sniff at goal against his former team.

Yong Kuong Yong's 54th minute strike separated the two teams but there was a hint of controversy in the build-up to the goal with Sabah players protesting Ahmad Hazwan Bakri's cross had carried over the line before reaching Kuong Yong.

"They (KL) had one shot at goal and scored after a lapse in concentration on our part while we had at least three clear cut chances. I'm disappointed we did not score," said Phillips, who led Sabah back to the Super League after an absence of five years by finishing as Premier League runners-up last season.

"The players did not play to instructions and perhaps the midfielders found it too demanding. KL were not a team we feared and because they like to play the ball long, we had to chase quite a bit.

"Of course it's still early days yet. The strikers just need to get some confidence in front of goal. It's a tough competition, the pressure is on now that we are in the Super League and we did not keep our composure."

Phillips is hoping his team will start firing on all cylinders when they host Kedah in Likas on Feb 12 as they look to finish in the top eight.

"I know it's a cliche but we'll take it one game at a time," said Phillips. "We defended well today (yesterday) and also against Terengganu, who were doing most of the attacking.

"I'm happy with the defensive effort but disappointed with individual performances. But there are a lot of positives to take away and if we work hard I think we can finish in a respectable position."