IMPHAL, September 19: Rookie J Songtun Youth Club, Sadar Hills defeated Eastern Sporting Union, Wangkhei today to earn its first Manipur State League win at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
In the 18th match of the season, JSYC blanked ESU by 2-0.
A visibly elated manager Binod Upadhaya said his boys were droved to win today’s match by the two defeats in the MSL.
He said it was a do or die game for his team and the fact coupled with the presence of the team coach motivated his lads to a significant win.
He stressed that during the first match of the league, his players were nervous due to the absence of their coach and playing for the first time in the MSL.
In the second match, his team met with MPSC which is a strong team.
The visible raise in the team’s performance today could also be due to the change in their practice ground, the manager added.
Meanwhile, JSYC controlled the match from the start which was evident from the final scoreline.
The first goal for JSYC came in the 38th minute through Lalneo Khongsai.
Lalneo Khongsai took advantage of a players’ melee inside the ESU goal area and kick the ball home.
The second goal came in the 73rd minute scored by Letjahao Kipgen through a pass off Helkhohao Vaiphei.
Two players of JSYC and one player of ESU were cautioned during the match.
Speaking in his post-match briefing, JSYC manager Binod Upadhay said the ESU players were unable to fend off his players’ sudden attacks.
His also expressed that his players played freely with confidence which is one major reason for the win.
He however said the ESU players were also good.
Meanwhile, AIM president Kh Loya lamented that his team has been made to play three games with just one day off in between the matches.
Speaking to IFP on the telephone he said it seems like there is a hidden agenda of the AMFA against his team.
AIM with 9 points from three matches is at the top of the points table.
He complained that due to the heavy fixture, his players are unable to recover for the next time.
