13th Manipur State League: NEROCA FC roll on with 3-1 victory over YUFC, slender 1-0 win for UKB

By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 19 : NEROCA FC, Sangakpham continued their fine form as they thumped YUFC, Ukhrul 3-1 and extended  their winning streak to three in the 13th Manipur State League organised by All Manipur Football Association at Artificial Turf ground, Khuman Lampak. Earlier in the day, UKB, Churachandpur defeated KLASA, Keinou by a slender 1-0 margin for the second win.
The  lone goal that earned UKB full points today was scored by Paulsemsiam in the 23rd minute. UKB made the most of the possession and scoring chances the game throughout and they could have made a more bigger finish had they converted all their chances.
It was poor defense set up of KLASA that helped UKB grab the lead when Lamthianlal Vaiphei outstepped few KLASA defenders to go deep and attempted a fine shot. The shot however failed to made it to the target as KLASA custodian H Prasanjit Singh guessed it right but to his disappointment the deflected ball found well placed Paulsemsiam, who made no mistake in sending home the ball.
H Prasanjit however took the centre stage in this match as he made some fine saves to deny UKB from further extending the lead. Last season's finalists, KLASA too had some close calls and could have drawn level but were unlucky not to score and slumped to third straight loss.
Meanwhile in the second match, NEROCA FC thoroughly dominated both the possession and number of scoring chances and earned a 2-1 lead till the break before Khangam Horam rounded off the scoring in the latter half.
K Manjit drew first blood making a fine chance count early in the 5th minute before S Ronaldo doubled their advantage in the 17th minute.
Julian Keishung which were reeling under pressure from early on took a fresh breath when Julian Keishing pulled back a goal in the 37th minute but their comeback proved to be a flash in the pan as the team fail to sustain momentum and NERORCA FC too played their part well to keep all threats at bay with timely interceptions.
The second half was a tale of NEROCA FC controlling the game and Khangam Horam who was lurking for his chance finished off a fine move to help his team retain the two goal lead.
YUFC also tried making some incisive runs and were close to reduce the gap but lack of luck and well orchestrated defence line of the Sangakpham side denied their efforts  and handed them their first defeat.
Thursday Matches
1. AIM, Khabam vs YPHU, Lalambung
2. Southern Sporting Union (SSU), Singjamei vs Sagolband United