Second Division match between TRAU and Lone Star in Srinagar. Pic/KSW
Srinagar, May 12: Manipur based side Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) football club continued its superb run in the final round of second division I-League as they beat hosts Lone Star Kashmir FC by 1-0 goals in the match played at Synthetic Turf TRC ground here on Sunday.
After being in a hard fought tussle for the most of the game with neither side coming close to score a goal, Ngaraipam K scored all important goal for TRAU in 88th minute. It was all that they needed to inflict another defeat on Lone Star FC in the final round. With this win TRAU top the final round points table with 12 points from four matches. They are unbeaten in the final round with two games to go. On contrary Lone Star is yet to taste win as they have now suffered three defeats and were held to draw in one. From four matches they have got only one point and stand at bottom of the table.
Lone Star had surprised many by qualifying for the final round and get in contention for qualifying into I-League. However, in final round the performance of the side has been dismal. They have not been able to match the opponents who have been in the league from quite some time and boost some of the top players.
TRAU on the other hand in on the brink of qualifying into the I-League with just two games to go. If everything goes smoothly TRAU is almost through while as Lone Star are out of the contention. They will next play against Chhinga Veng FC.
Mentor of Lone Star Kashmir FC, Ishfaq Ahmad said that he proud of his team as they gave it everything against a side that boost quality players.
“We fought well and gave it everything. We were unlucky not to score and also concede goal in last moments,” said Ishfaq.
“When we played in qualifiers no one gave us a chance. As the team was rebuilding it took us a little time to adjust and then we went on to beat some of the senior sides to make it to final round. It was great achievement and players deserved applause for that,” he said.
About final round he said, “In final round there are four teams who had qualified after being on top in their respective groups. All other three teams had been in league for quite some time while we were in rebuilding phase. The strength of their squad compared to us was far too better. Still we did well in each game and were unlucky in the two home games”.
“With team owners backing team fully I am sure that next season Lone Star Kashmir FC will be force to reckon with in Second Division I-League. We will start rebuilding team early to give us enough time for preparations,” he added.