Sinoun makes his mark

Naga came through 3-1, even without their top scorer

Without their Metfone C-League top scorer Julius Oiboh, ineligible through suspension, Naga Corp introduced mid-season signing Nuth Sinoun in his place and the former BBU, Royal Navy and Preah Khan Reach striker repaid his new coach, Prak Sovannara, with two goals within 24 minutes of his debut. Naga always had too much for plucky Prek Pra, buoyed by two recent wins and backed by their vociferous fans, but guts and heart are no substitute for organization and tactical awareness, and Naga showed both to take the points and stay a point behind leaders Phnom Penh Crown. Sinoun, a former national team player, took just three minutes of his 1st game to make his mark. Tiet Chandarasokha's run and cross was collected by Sinoun, who stroked in his drive from 20 yards out. Prek Pra were back in it almost immediately but Philip Ali missed a sitter before Sos Souhana produced a goal of rare quality on ten minutes. Initially he lost the ball out wide, regained it and shimmied his way past two players and as he entered the box, he let fly with a thumping shot that was still rising as it crashed into the net. A fabulous solo effort for the national team squad player. Naga were back in front on 24 minutes as Sinoun was in the right place at the right time to tuck home a center from Omogba Esoh from close in. The striker then missed the chance of a 1st half hat-trick when he failed to add the finishing touch to Chin Chom's inch-perfect cross at the far post. Lost of huffing and puffing after the break but Naga were always in control as Prek Pra tired and it was Chom who headed in their third goal on 72 minutes, finishing off a Sumaila Momoh cross from a yard out. Ali fluffed an easy chance in time added on but by then it was too late and Naga ended the game 3-1 in front.

Prek Pra went down 3-1 to Naga this afternoon