By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 16 : UKB, Churachandpur earned their first win at the ongoing 13th Manipur State League at Turf Ground, Khuman Lampak today as NEROCA FC, Sangakpham grabbed a 2-1 win against SU, Sagolband to stretch their winning run.
In the 16th league match of the tournament, UKB which salvaged a point after 2-2 draw with NISA were able to win 2-1 against YPHU, Lalambung.
The first half saw neither team making the headway despite chances but things changed greatly in the second half as UKB were seen making an ambitious approach piling up pressure on YPHU back. Their effort yielded result with Mangkholen finding the back of the net in the 68th minute and they were in cruise control with the lead before Paolenlan sent the ball straight into the net in the 78th minute to make it 2-0.
YPHU which were reeling under immense pressure lately fought back bravely with some counter runs and ended up with a consolation goal via Kh Arun one minute into the injury time.
Luntinmang of UKB picked up a yellow card in the 70th minute of this match.
Meanwhile in the second match of the day, NEROCA FC which sealed a 3-1 win against GSC, started strongly before snatching a 2-1 win against Sagolband United (SU).
NEROCA FC were onto their business early on and found the lead soon in the 6th minute when A Sushil went deep into SU box taking advantage of a defensive lapse cracked a fine shot past the keeper. NEROCA FC then entered into the break with 1-0 up as they could not capitalise on the chances following the first goal. SU too had few chances on the run but their effort went too wide or proved to easy for NEROCA custodian.
SU however pulled level in the 58th minute via L Milan after showing some improved moves with the commencement of the second half. NEROCA FC thus were forced to step out of their half and press hard to break the deadlock. After being denied on few occasions, Ch Roshan helped NEROCA FC retain the lead in the 70th minute. SU too managed few chances latter on but their effort fell short as NEROCA defence stood firm to prevent any further scoring.