Paite brace propels NEROCA FC into Loktak Trophy final

By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 27 : Confident NEROCA FC, Sangakpham edged out SSU, Singjamei 2-1 today riding on Paite brace to set up final date of the 11th Loktak Trophy with Sagolband United which reached the final with a 4-2 win against NISA. This is the second time the two major clubs will be meeting in the title clash after CC meet final held this month.
SSU led the first half 1-0 but NEROCA raced ahead in the second half with Paite leading the attack at the front to overturn the lead and earn a place final match to be held on April 30.
The two sides started the game cautiously and their efforts to open up the scoring account did not really materialise until N Sanjiv fired home the ball during the additional time of the first half to put SSU in the front-foot.
NEROCA shifted gears in the second half and poured in more men into's SSU half in search of the equaliser and the latter managed to hold their wall for sometime but the relentless Sangakpham side had the price of their hardwork when Paite slotted home in the 69th minute before striking the winner 10 minutes latter. M Kabiraj of SSU was yellow carded in the 75th minute of the match.