Imphal, Oct. 1: Defending champions North Imphal Sporting Association today brushed aside a lacklustre first session to humble Eastern Sporting Union by 2-0 goals in a match of the 4th Manipur State League played at Mapal Kangjeibung. The victory helped them keep their top slot in the league table with 13 points to their name. In the match today, Eastern Sporting Union displayed a lot of grit in the first half and held the North Imphal attacks at bay with some stout defending. However, in the second half, North Imphal Sporting Association broke the shackles and captain N. Jimmy Singh came up with the first goal after anticipating a right flank pass from M. Bidyasagar in the 48th minute. Their second goal came just two minutes later after L. Dewan Singh headed in a corner kick by N. Rajesh. The goal margin for North Imphal should have been higher but Jimmy Singh missed a penalty kick awarded after the Eastern keeper brought down W. Denal inside the danger zone in the second half. In another match, Manipur Brothers Sporting Union overcame North Eastern Re-Organising and Cultural Association by 2-1 goals. The North Eastern team, without a win so far in the league, seemed to hold the upper hand, after the first half, with an injury time goal. Just before the half time whistle, North Eastern were awarded a penalty after M. Premchand Singh was fouled by a Manipur Brothers defender. Th. Surjit Singh made no mistake in guiding the ball into the net for the lead. Manipur Brothers, however, geared up in the second half and got the equaliser from a corner kick conversion. L. Boipu Doungel aimed for the second post and S. Kishan Singh sliced the ball home in the 67th minute. The side scored their second goal when Z.V. Reishing Zimik, running in the middle, made a short pass to forward H. Premkumar, who outran a defender, to bang home the winning goal in the 71 minute. Southern Sporting Union held Anouba Imagi Mangal to a 2-2 goal draw in another match. Water sport Altogether 93 paddlers from six units are taking part in the 1st state-level Canoe and Kayaking Championship being held at Kangla Moat in Imphal. The participating units are Lalambung Makhong Youth Voluntary Association, Sendra Youth Club, Manipur Police Sports Club, Uripok UCAL, Santi Club Moirang and Heingang HKSU. |
