Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 28 2009:
NISA, Thangmeiband hung to its first half goals to defeat SSU, Singjamei 2-1 in a first leg match of the 4th Manipur State League Football Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung today.
After S Manimohon broke the deadlock at the fag end of first half regulation period (45th) Ksh Malemnganba cushioned the lead with a stoppage time goal (47th) in the same session.
Even though SSU managed to pull back one through M Sanatomba's 58th minute strike NISA, the defending champion ensured collection of maximum points through stoic defending.
In other matches, Khabam side AIM came from behind to upset NEROCA, Shangakpham 3-1 as ESU, Wangkhei carved out a slender 2-1 victory over YWC, Thambalkhong in similar style as AIM.
M Ashok put NEROCA ahead within five minutes of the match but the Shangakpham side failed to maintain the advantage as a 17th minute penalty conversion from S Shanta restored parity for AIM for whom I Sheilyasen (57th) and L Herojit (80th) also found the mark.
In ESU's win, goals from Thangminthang (83rd) and Ph Cheitei (90th) tilted the match in favour of the Wangkhei side who conceded a goal scored in the 73rd minute through YWC's N Dhanajit.