TRAU FC assured of Second Division League title

By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL, May 19 : Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC (TRAU FC) are assured of winning the Second Division League title and promotion to next year's edition of I League with one game left to play as the team sealed a 2-1 home win against Ozone FC, Bengaluru at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
With today's win TRAU FC, who are appearing the Second Division League for the second time now hold 15 points from 5 matches of the final round which is organised on home and away basis, and is 5 points adrift of their closest rivals Chhinga Veng FC.
Both TRAU FC and the visitors took off the game cautiously and held one another for a goalless draw till the break as neither side found the net despite many close calls.
The home team however showed a much improved side after the break and grabbed the lead in the 56th minute with the help of Princewill Olariche Emeka after connecting a long pass by Sandeep Soraisam. With the lead the home team were in full command and kept the Bengaluru side under pressure for a major portion of the second half weaving a series incisive runs.
TRAU FC's attack however faded towards the end of the match as Ozone FC took advantage of poor understanding among TRAU  players and started pouring in more men into TRAU FC's half in search of the equaliser. TRAU FC were caught by surprise when Sabeeth Sathyan capitalised on a poor clearance inside the box after a close chance, to slot home the equaliser in the 88th minute.
The visitors also had few chances after the equaliser but TRAU FC held their nerves and once again mounted pressure on the visitors with some counter attacks. TRAU FC intensified their effort as the time was running off fast and it was Joseph Mayowa who got an unexpected chance to find the winner during the additional time and send the home crowd into raptures.
TRAU FC will host Chhinga Veng in their last final round fixture on May 25 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.