IMPHAL, August 29: NEROCA, Sangakpham defeated MSL first-timer, J Songtun Youth Club, Sadar Hills at the Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal today by 2-0 in the ongoing 7th Manipur State League.
NEROCA drew its first match of the league against USA earlier.
The two teams played well in the first half of the match, however both failed to convert any chances into goals ending the first half in a goalless draw.
First-timer, JSYC was however looked exhausted and weaker in the second half.
Taking full advantage of the weakening JSYC in the second half, Th Roshan struck first for NEROCA in the 52nd minute.
Roshan went passed through two JSYC defenders and the goalie easily scoring the first for NEROCA.
NEROCA had plenty of chances in the second half of the match however; they were unable to successfully end their chances.
Captain L Manitombi scored the second goal in the 90+3, through a short pass off Naorem Sushil.
Three players each of the two teams were cautioned during the match.
Thangkholen Kipgen (8th), Letminthang Touthang (31st) and Jampao Touthang (57th) of JSYC and Mahesh Rai (26th), M Priyananda (63rd) and Th Roshan (83rd) of NEROCA were cautioned during the match.
In his post-match briefing, NEROCA coach T Ibomcha lamented that coordination was missing between his players in the match and that his strikers missed out on several chances to increase the scoreline.
He said he experimented by inducting some new players in the field, however he expressed his discontentment with the new players’ playing style.
Even though his team win by 2-0, today’s match is one of the worst match of his team in recent times, he said.
He added that he will try to make up the team’s weaknesses before their next game.
Team captain, L Manitombi said his team missed out to score on several counts as the players were playing as if under pressure.
He also expressed that the team junior players were lacking in experience.
JSYC, asst manager Binod Upadhya said being a new team, the players were lacking in experience.
He said the team will now be able to play their natural styles from their next match.
Team captain, Thangkholet Kipgen said playing in such a big tournament had pressured his team mates. The pressure took its toll in the second half of the match which was quite visible, he added.
