Manipur reach Santosh Trophy final
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2011: Former champions Manipur deservedly earned another shot at the title as L Thoiba Singh struck from the spot in the second half of the extra time for a 1-0 win against Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) in the first semi final of the 65th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Guwahati today.

In the first match for the summit clash played at the Nehru Stadium, Manipur and Services failed to break the jinx in the regulation time.

however, Manipur who looked a better side out of the two managed to notch up the winner in the 11th minute of extra time second half.

It was Manipur who dictated terms right from the outset and could have taken the lead at the stroke of half time, but to Manipur's despair Tiken Singh failed to convert two easy chances.

Manipur continued to pile on the pressure on their opponents and came close to break the deadlock on a couple of occasions in the second session of the play as well, but an alert Services goalkeeper Robikanta Singh stood as the only hope curtailing numerous Manipur's attack.

With the scoreline reading 0-0 after the end of 90 minutes, extra time came into play with Manipur once again showing their intentions right from the word go and it was again Tiken Singh and Jimmy Singh who failed to find the target.

However, Manipur's hard work paid off when Thoiba Singh converted from the spot.

Services defender P Sumesh was caught handling the ball inside the box resulting in a penalty in favour of Manipur, who on May 30 will play the final against the winner of tomorrow's second semifinal clash between Railways and defending champions West Bengal.

Manipur's only triumph came in the national championship came in 2002 when the State was the host.

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