Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 05:
NERO-CA, Laipham Khunou regained the Tiddim trophy football tournament title it lost to SSU, Singjamei last year with a late second half goal against the same side in the final of the Sarajeevan-sponsored third edition at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
The all important goal came in the 73rd minute through M Robin whose swerving free kick from the top of the rival penalty area beat the SSU custodian comprehensively.
Despite expectation of the highly competitive contest between the two football powerhouses in the State neither side took the initiative to take the attack to the opponent zone as the play was mostly confined to the centre.
The first half produced two yellow cards in the form of K Premjit for the winners and SSU's Uttam.
NEROCA, who lifted the coveted trophy in the tournament's inaugural edition in 2004 defeating YWC, Thambalkhong lost the title to SSU last year in penalty shoot-out before reclaiming the same today.
The winning team walked home richer with the top cash prize of Rs 50,000 while the singjamei side had to be content with the runners-up booty of Rs 25,000.Robin also bagged the best scorer of the match and the tournament's best player award carrying Rs 2000 and 3000 respectively.
TRAU's N Thoi was adjudged the best goalkeeper award which included a trophy and Rs 2000 while NACO, Nambul Mapal was declared the Fair Play award winner.
Closing programme of the tournament hosted by Tiddim Road Athletic Union was held with AMFA president A Santoshkumar as the functional president and former Minister Kh Loken as the guest of honour.
Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam who was actually supposed to be the chief guest did not turn up.