Imphal, October 23: NISA, Thangmeiband, Laipham Khunou outfit NEROCA, TRAU, Tiddim Road and Kakching's KFC recorded contrasting victories in their respective first leg ties in the second edition of the Manipur State League 2007 football tournament at different venues today.

While four out of five matches scheduled for the day produced winners, ESU, Wangkhei and RACC, Churachandpur played out a 1-1 draw at the former's home turf with Michael opening the visitors' score in the 38th minute and E Amitkumar saving the blues for the home side with a 78th minute equaliser.

Playing against SSU, Singjamei at YOSC ground Khurai, visitors NISA not only survived an 18 minute penalty scare but held onto a 67th minute goal by O Pritam to collect maximum points.

The former CC Meet champions could have surged ahead 18 minutes into the game when the match official pointed to the dreaded spot after NISA custodian I Ashok brought down the rivals' P Rocky inside the restricted zone.

However, Ashok did not let his side down diving to his left to deny Ratan.

Hosting Moirang's AMOFA at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in the home and away format competition, NEROCA emerged convincing winners at 4-0 with Paosat Vaiphei scoring a brace (43rd, 80th) after H Chakravati had provided the breakthrough in the 23rd minute.

In between the goals defensive lapses by the visiting team also helped the NEROCA cause as M Meino, in trying to clear a T Dhiren floater from the right flank, directed the ball into his own net in the 26th.In another match of the day at Khundrakpam, Kakching side KFC shocked host USA of Khurai by 3-1 scoreline.

Even though USA matched their opponents in the opening session of the game that ended with both sides scoring one apiece, M Bijen's second of the match in the 49th regained the KFC lead before Joseph Thanghinlal netted an injury time goal to seal the tie.

Bijen's first in the 25th minute was neutralised by S Dinakumar five minutes later.

Owing to soggy ground conditions, home turfs of AMOFA and SSU had to be shifted.

The second round matches of the League competition will be played on October 28.

Comment