Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 19:
NEROCA, Laipham Khunou's attempt to topple YWC, Thambalkhong from the top of the points chart failed to materialise as the second phase face off between the two in the MK Ghanendrajit Memorial IE Super Division Football league tournament ended at one goal each at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
The venue had to be changed from Thau ground owing to unplayable field condition.
The draw means YWC is still ahead of Neroca by a single point at 23 compared to the latter's 22.YWC bad defeated Neroca 3-1 in the first leg tie.
The pace of the pulsating tie was set by the Thambalkhong side with an L Sumin header off an Ng Raju cross in the seventh minute.
With neither side willing to let their guards down the intensity of match grew as Neroca tried to restore parity to which the rival defenders replied with dogged resistance.
As the match temperament escalated and players went for rough tackle to gain territorial possession referee had little option but flash the yellow card on no less than eight occasions including one double booking resulting in exit of Neroca's Manimohan in the 80th minute.
Other players booked in the match are G Ninja Kabui, L Sumin, Kh Ronel and Th Saran of YWC with S Thomas and Raju from the Laipham Khunou side besides Manimohan.
Despite the expulsion, Neroca continued to put on the pressure and finally cracked open the YWC goal when Raju deflected in an M Sanatomba corner kick into goal three minutes into injury period.
PYA, Kairang and ESU, Wangkhei will play tomorrow.
Earlier, in a preliminary match of the M Ibobi Div I football league tournament at the same venue, AIM, Khabam edged past SSC, Sekta by a solitary goal with the all important goal in the 71st minute scored by H Dayananda.