Dimapur, October 7 (MExN): Matchday 3 of the CASE Premier League Season 4 witnessed Natak FC, FC Joga Bonito and Nizams FC securing 3 points each, while Ruboo United and Sporting Union earned a point each from a draw at the Police Complex, Chumukedima on Saturday. In the opening match of the day, Ruboo United drew 2 -2 against Sporting Union. Although both teams had chances at goal, it was only in the second half that Ruboo took advantage of some lax defending to complete a neat and well directed header. But it was not long before Sporting equalized with a perfectly placed shot just inside the box. Sporting Union would go on to score another well worked goal and it was just before the final whistle that Ruboo were gifted an equalizer as the keeper failed to collect a long ranger.
Meanwhile, Natak FC ousted league leaders Trinity Sporting from the top of the table in a match that ended 5 – 1 in a landslide victory at the DGP Ground. Within minutes of the game, Natak forward Kedolhoulie broke his marker to open the account for the winning side with a graceful tap to the ball that edged past the keeper. Trinity Sporting were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute for a handball, however Atokito failed to equalize as Natak custodian Tiasunep blocked the spot-kick safely. Supong, with a pair of seasoned legs, scored the second goal for the Nataks with a beautiful lob beating two defenders just before halftime. As the match progressed into the other half, midfielder Rohit exhibited two magnificent long range efforts that saw the back of the net in the 43rd and 70th minutes. A misunderstanding between the Trinity goalie and defenders also went in favor of Natak FC as Supong took advantage of the situation to score another goal for his team to seal the victory. The solitary goal for Trinity Sporting was scored by Atokito as he headed the goal into the net with a cross from skipper Rijolong.
Having lost two initial games, FC Joga Bonito earned their first win by defeating Super Strikers 1 – 0 at the 1st NAP Ground. The match started with both teams trying to control the midfield. The Joga players created a number of chances but were unsuccessful in their attempts at goal. Super Strikers also created a couple of chances but could not get a clear shot on target, and both teams went into the break with the game evenly poised.
The game opened up midway through the second half from a piece of individual brilliance from Joga Bonito midfielder Theja with a brilliant left footed volley at the edge of the box. Super Strikers came back strong but some resolute defending and a couple of excellent saves from the Joga keeper kept the score at 1 - 0.
Nizams FC continued their winning streak by blanking CASE FC 2 – 0 to go top of the table having won three consecutive games. A beautiful cross from left back Neisal was converted by Angam with a powerful shot just outside the six yard box giving Nizams the lead in the 38th minute. In the second half of the match, Akato added to the tally towards the end of the match with a goal from a tight angle giving the CASE keeper no chance to save the shot. Although the CASE players enjoyed ball possession and continued to play an attacking game in the second half, the Nizams denied them any attempts at goal.
