57th CC Meet TRUGPU come from behind to down ZFC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2013: It was a see saw battle with fortunes fluctuating on either side during the pre-quarter final match between TRUGPU, Nambol and ZFC Churachandpur at the 57th CC Meet Football Tournament currently underway at Mapal Kangjeibung.

That the spectators were to witness an exciting encounter could be gauged from the attacking formation of both teams opting for the 4-4-2, with two strikers ahead and four men manning the mid field.

Evenly, matched but ultimately it was the team from Nambol, which overcame a deficit of one goal in the first half to walk out the victor by an odd goal in three.

Both teams made their intention clear, with ZFC dominating the first half of the match with better ball possession and short, crisp passing.

ZFC opened the account as early as the 4th minute of the game, through a brilliant counter attack.

Taking possession of the ball, ZFC defender Thangminlien went off on a fast pace and managed to take the ball into the other half of the TRUGPU territory and unleashed a powerful shot.

TRUGPU goalkeeper, P Anand Sharma did get his hand on the ball, but could not control it effectively with the ball getting out of his grasp.

Striker Naoton, who was lurking nearby pounced on the ball and had no problem beating the TRUGPU goalkeeper hands down.

Stung by the early goal, TRUGPU changed tactics and launched a series of incisive and dangerous attacks against their rival.

In the 12th minute of the game, Ch Anandakumar took the ball far into the left flank of the ZYC territory and after creating enough space for himself, crossed the ball into the penalty area.

Mid fielder, H Birjit who was well positioned, had enough time to take a powerful shot and found the net to find the equaliser for TRUGPU.

Lemon break was called with both teams locked 1-1 .

The second half saw ZYF withdrawing into their side, giving enough room to TRUGPU to launch a series of offensives.

Though the ZYF defenders were able to keep the marauding attackers and midfielders of TRUGPU in check, the team from Nambol finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, through some deft footwork from its midfielder, S Herojit.

Going off on a solo offensive, and after beating 2/3 defenders of ZYC, S Herojit released a short pass to Th Chingthangkhomba, through a tight angle.

Chingthangkhomba who was well placed had little problem in tapping the ball home.

The evenly matched game saw four players being booked for different offences.

Jamthianlal of ZFC was booked in the 70th minute for reckless play while three players from TRUGPU, S Heorjit (17th minute), Sh Meiraba (52nd minute) and A Herojit (88th) were yellow carded.

A Herojit was penalised for time wasting.

Tomorrow, TRAU will take on BSF (Manipur, Nagaland, Cachar frontier) .

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