Dimapur/Mokokchung/Kohima, Jun 23 (NPN): Second place Barak Flamingoz and Dimapur United registered convincing victories to push the title decider further ahead after league leaders Naga Tornadoes had registered 2-0 win over Sangpang on Saturday.

With three left matches to decide the inaugural NPL champion, Tornadoes still lead the table on 37 points followed by Barak Flamingoz on 35 points and Dimapur United on 33 points after Saturday’s matches.
Tornadoes remain unbeaten.

Tornadoes continued to remain the only unbeaten team in the NPL by registering a 2-0 win over home team Sangpang FC to stay at the top of the table in the first match played at Mokokchung. With today’s victory Tornadoes extended the lead by two points at the top with three matches to go.

Both the goals were scored in the first half. Akum Ao netted the first goal in 37th minute and Ritsho Mero “bulldozer” scored the second and the winning goal with five minutes remaining to first half.

Tornadoes to win the title have to maintain the same momentum as it would be facing strong opponents in the remaining three matches.


It would take on currently fourth placed Life Sports on June 30 at Kohima, followed by a match against third place Dimapur United on July 7 and sixth place Doyang FC on July 14, both matches at Dimapur.
 
On the other hand, second place Flamongoz has the advantage with matches against bottom ranked New Market and seventh place Sangpang FC. The only tough match would be against current fifth place holder Kohima Komets.

Life Sports came from behind to beat Zonipang SA 3-1 in Mokokchung. Zonipang took the lead through Nokchashilu’s strike in 45th minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Life Sports inform striker and leading goal scorer, T. Haokip found the equalizer in the 50th minute.

After the equalizer, Life Sports dominated the match and took the lead through Chiyuh in the 70th minute. With time running out Keiyigumwangpe sealed the victory  and cemented 4th place for Life Sports.

Asian, Bongthot on target in Flamingoz win
In the first match played at Dimapur, goals from Asian and Bongthot helped Barak Flamingoz beat 6th placed Doyang FC 2-0 to reduce the gap with Tornadoes on two points.

Flamingoz boys filled with confidence after defeating Dimpaur United 1-0 last week, did not give Doyang FC to settle down and were brilliant with their accurate passing throughout the entire proceedings. 

On the other hand, Doyang FC failed to respond to the opponent counter attacked and lacked in poor finishing.  The first session belonged to Barak Flamingoz.

Taking the advantage, Flamingoz play maker Asian opened the account for his team when he converted Abuan cross in the 23rd minutes. The match also witnessed careful approach from both sides.

Coming after the break, fully charged Doyang boys tried to restore the parity but were unable to make free movement inside Flamingoz’ s area.

With Doyang boys pressing hard on regular intervals, Flamingoz main defender Santos was introduced in the second half. The second session saw equal ball possession from both sides.

However, Doyang search for equalizer was let down when inform striker for Flamingoz, Bungthot scored the second and winning goal in the 58th minute. Bungthot, who had been in great touch, collected a superb assist from Pemmi to seal the victory.

Dimapur United win; keep title hopes alive
In the second match at Dimapur, inspired by David’s two goals, Dimapur United thrashed Dynamic FC 4-0 to keep their title race hopes alive. David was also instrumental in his team’s third goal. Substitute Jacob and Mosa netted a goal apiece.

The victory puts Dimapur United on 33 points at third place at the top of the table. However, Dimapur United suffered a setback when its captain and main defender, Philip was substituted with a head injury in the second half. 

He sustained injury while fighting for the ball with Dynamic’s George in the 2nd minute. Though injured, he continued the match till the first session after receiving first aid. He was replaced in the second half and was taken to hospital where he received some stitches on his head. 

As usual Dynamic FC depended on their lone strike Mathew also known as “striking engine” but could not make any impact. 

United took the away the match right from the first whistle.
United almost took an early lead, after a wonderful combination from David and Amir only to see Amir blasting the ball over the cross bar. But it took only some few minutes for United to settle with David opening the account for United in 13th minute.

The only opportunity for Dynamic to equalize in the first session was awarded in the 19th minute, but a free kick taken by Akum sailed over the cross bar.

Right after a minute to the second half, Dynamic trio Mathew, Kendi and captain Chuba narrowly equalize only to see Kendi blasting the ball wide outside the target.

Then within a minute, while Dynamic were ruing the missed opportunity, David with his solo effort scored the second goal for United. David also narrowly scored his hat-trick in the 54th and 69th minutes.

Jacob who replaced Amir netted the third goal when he collected a superb assist from David in the 68th minute. Dynamic real opportunities in the second session were awarded in the 65th and 72nd minutes through Akum and George. Both the striker failed to capitalize it.

United’s Lulun and Mosa were yellow carded in the 49th and 64th minutes.
Then in the dying minute to the final whistle, Mosa converted a spot kick to seal a comfortable victory for United.
He converted the spot kick after Lalboy was brought down by Dynamic defender inside their area.

Kohima Komets thrash New Market 5-0
 New Market poor form continued in the NPL with a 0-5 defeat at the hands of Kohima Komets in the only match played at Kohima. Christopher scored a hat-trick as Komets went on scoring spree in the second half. Four goals were scored in the second session.

Christopher scored his hat trick the 1st goal in 16th minute, second and third goals in 63rd and in 67th minutes. Two goals were scored by Kobou in the 69th and 70th minutes.
Khriezohu of New Market was awarded yellow card for his unsporting behavior.