A midfield tussle during the match between NISA (in blue) and United Sporting at Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on Monday. Telegraph picture

manipur league

Imphal, Jan. 18: North Imphal Sports Association (NISA) skipper N. Jimmy Singh provided the late twist in the game for a 3-2 goal win against United Sporting Association (USA) in the second leg of the 4th Manipur State League played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium here today.

However, United Sporting player N. Rakesh Singh punched national referee S. Lokendro Singh on the face, after the referee awarded a penalty against them.

A bleeding Lokendro, with a broken nose, was lifted off the ground and N. Rakesh was sent off with a red card.

United Sporting Association took full advantage of NISA’s lacklustre approach and came up with the first goal in the 24th minute as M. Manglemba Singh made a slicing header from a corner kick taken by Y. Kamando.

United Sporting Association scored again in the 27th minute after S. Dinakumar Singh landed a pass to M. Manglemba, who shot home the team’s second goal.

NISA skipper N. Jimmy Singh brought home his team’s first goal from a goalmouth shot.

NISA were awarded a penalty kick after skipper Jimmy Singh was brought down by United defender Y. Hemanta.

N. Rakesh questioned the referee’s decision and punched him. National referee L. Tarun replaced Lokendro.

N. Rajesh Meitei scored the equaliser in the 74th minute.

NISA ran down the United Sporting Association defence, as skipper Jimmy Singh slammed home a close ranger.

NISA now lead the points tally with 43 points, while the Anouba Imagi Mangal followed second with 32 points and Southern Sporting Union and Tiddim Road Unique Gamy Players Union share the third spot with 31 points among the 12 teams.

In another match, Anouba Imagi Mangal held Manipur Police Sports Club to a 1-1 draw.

Ksh. Kanta Singh provided the opening goal for the policemen in the 11th minute while S. Shanta Singh fetched the equaliser for the Anouba Imagi team in the 79th minute.