Natak FC, Trinity Sporting and Sporting Union register wins
Ruboo United forward Kenen tries to dribble past defender Neilhoupe as Nizams custodian Temsumeren looks on. (Photo by SungchungoYanthan)
Dimapur, November 4 (MExN): Natak FC remained at the top of the league after Matchday 7 as they routed 6th placed FC Joga Bonito by 3 goals to 1.
Joga Bonito’s hopes to close in on a spot at the top 4 were thwarted as Natak FC appeared to have the upper hand throughout the match.
Nataks took the lead in the first half with centre-forward Haresh’s successful long shot at the far post in the 14th minute.
The league toppers continued their goal scoring spree in the second half with a goal from Pokhotsowhile Haresh’s double extended the lead to 0 – 3 for the Nataks.
Even as Nataks breached the Joga Bonito defense thrice, the match also saw some brilliant saves from the JB goalkeeper, Sentitoshi.
Respite for Joga Bonito came inthe second half as Dr. Lipok curled the ball to the far side of the post, beatingNatak goalkeeperTiasunep inside the box.
The lone goal from Lipok for Joga Bonito took the scoresheet to 1 – 3 at full time.Natak FC have won 6 out of 7 matches in the league, and this win on Matchday 7 has taken their unbeaten streak to 5 matches in a row.
Joga Bonito remain 6th at the table and will have to salvage points from their next meeting with Natak FC again on Matchday 8, even as Sporting Union follows closely behind the leaders with a difference of 2 points.
Meanwhile, a hattrick from Kenen gave Ruboo United their first win of the season with a scorelineof 5 – 3 over Nizams FC.
Ruboo United, who seemed to have found their form only in recent matches, started the game strongly with forwards Kenen and Mangholenteasing the Nizams defense with their pace and trickery.
Kenen opened the scoring for Ruboo United in the 13th minute, thestriker ghosted behind the Nizams defense to pounce on an assist by Mangholen inside the penalty box and fired home from a few yards out.
Minutes later, Nizams custodian Temsumeren committed a blunder as he failed to collect a pass from comrade Shem, further strengthening Ruboo’s lead.
After going two goals down, Nizams finally started imposing themselves and got a goal through senior player Akatowhose shot seemed destined for the back of the net.
However, Mangholen further added to his team’ s tally with a superb finisher; an inch-perfect through ball from teammate Kenen saw the striker breaking his marker to simply tap the ball past the Nizams goalie.
Nizams FC got themselves back in the contest with a well-timed volley from Akato again, after latching on to a cross from Vito.
However, in the second half, Kenen went on to score two more goals to seal the game even as Pelevito added one to the Nizams’ side.
In the other matches, Trinity Sporting edged over CASE FC with a solitary goal. Both teams were solid at the back and created very few chances in the first half.
CASE FC should have scored in the 27th minute of the game but Solo wasted a simple chance while CASE custodian Jaimeren was shown a yellow card in the 25th minute for handling the ball outside the D-box.
Trinity came out stronger in the second half and went ahead through Atokito in the 47thminute with a neat goal. Trinity could have added to their lead but wasted a couple of good chances. Case FC did press for the equalizer, but the Trinity defence stood strong until the final whistle was blown.
Trinity Sporting are placed third with 15 points as of this week.
