Imphal, Jan. 14 : North Eastern Re-Organising and Cultural Organisation blanked North Imphal Sporting Association by 3-0 goals in the 2nd Loktak Football Trophy at Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary ground today.
Both the teams wasted several opportunities in the first half, but North Imphal Sporting Association’s performance was particularly sloppy. They played some lacklustre football and the first half remained a barren affair.
The second half was a different ball-game altogether. North Eastern Re-Organising and Cultural Organisation took more initiatives in their run and the North Imphal Sporting Association defence crumbled midway through the second half.
A North Eastern defender had opted for a long pass to clear the ball from the danger zone. The ball landed on the North Imphal territory and a defender failed to receive the ball properly. M. Amarjit Singh grabbed the chance and took possession of the ball to shoot it home for the North Eastern lead in the 68th minute.
With this goal, North Eastern team built up pressure and got their second break through a penalty kick in the 70th minute. Striker Ksh. Malemnganba was brought down by Rollingson and the resultant kick was taken by S. Thomas who found the net to make it 2-0 in favour of North Eastern.
The third goal for North Eastern was scored in a somewhat identical fashion as the first one. North Imphal defenders failed to make proper clearance and H. Chakravorti had no difficulty in netting the third goal in the 87th minute to seal the fate of the North Imphal camp.
Referee Kenedy Singh booked S. Thomas, O. Pitler and Surjit Singh of North Eastern and N. Jimmy, Rollingson of North Imphal Sporting Association with a yellow card each in the match.