Police hold off Shark attack

Monday, 06 June 2011

H S Manjunath

Chhlam Samuth’s Paul Olabode (left) tries to pass National Police Commissary’s Sob Ravy during their Metfone C-League match at Olympic Stadium yesterday. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

A dominant second half display by National Police Commissary earned them a comfortable 3-1 victory over Chhlam Samuth in their Metfone C-League tie yesterday at Olympic Stadium. Earlier, back markers Prek Pra Keila and Rithy Sen ended their game locked at 1-1.

The later match between the two league newcomers had all the trappings of a goalless affair till well past the half way stage. But all of a sudden, a clash among equals turned dramatically into an exciting late Police charge.

Long Nasy set the ball rolling when he came up with a 69th minute strike. Moeung Phanith doubled the lead nine minutes later, which was immediately followed by a third from Meas Sophanna.

Shell-shocked by this traumatic twist, the Sea Sharks pulled one back through Sim Vutha but it proved too little too late.

The victory brings the Police back on their feet after the fellow promotees Rithy Sen upset the form book when the two sides met a week ago, resulting in an unexpected 3-3 draw. There has been a noticeable decline in the Sea Sharks’ performances after a rousing start to their first campaign in the top tier.

Search for first win continues
Earlier in the day, the battle of the tailenders ended all square when Prek Pra Keila and Rithy Sen emerged with a point each to double their count at the wrong end of the leader board.

Prek Pra had every reason to believe that their 17th minute goal by Sos Souhana might bring a winning smile to their vibrant fan base. But Rithy Sen, obviously relishing their new African reinforcements, had other ideas.

The man of the moment for the Kampong Chhnang outfit was Tam Yousos, who produced a decisive leveller as late as the 83rd minute. The deadlock meant that both these teams remain winless, approaching the halfway stage of the competition.

source: phnompenhpost.com