Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 24 2009:
Defending champions and current leaders NISA, Thangmeiband survived some anxious moments before pulling off a 2-2 draw against third placed TRUGPU, Nambol in a first-leg match of the 4th Manipur state League football tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung today.
The clash serving as TRUGPU's home match, began with L Nabachandra netting NISA's opener in the 17th minute which was levelled by the rivals through L Gouro in the 41st minute.
After N Sushil's 72nd minute strike provided the lead to the Nambol side, Ksh Malemnganba salvaged a point for the defending champions with an additional time goal.
The keenly contested match was also marked by unsporting conduct from both sides with five players each receiving yellow cards.
In the other matches played at the same venue, AIM, Khabam thrashed MBSU, Wahengbam Leikai 6-0 while ESU, Wangkhei rallied to a 2-1 victory over SSU, Singjamei.
Even though the match between MBSU and AIM was the former's home game, the visitors cracked the rival defence at will to score at regular interval and move to second place on account of better goal average.
W Ngouba (8th, 55th) and I Sheilyasen (25th, 45th) rattled MBSU with their scoring prowess with S Shanta (86th) and Th Vandona (90+) also joining in the goal feast.
Meanwhile, ESU's goals in its home match against SSU were netted by M Raju Meitei (48th) and M Meelan (90+) after Ng Ajitkumar struck for the Singjamei side 19 minutes into the game.