Christmas present

Pov Ponvuthy belts a shot towards goal in this morning's 10-0 success

The Academy team who netted seven goals in the 2nd half. Back Row LtoR: Baraing, Sopheak, Senteang, Chanpolin. Front: Noeut, Chanchav, Chhaya, Sodavid, Ponvuthy

The Phnom Penh Crown Academy youngsters gave themselves a nice Christmas morning gift with a 10-0 win over the plucky Komar Takhmao, in their Barclays Capital ISF U-14 Champions League encounter though the scoreline could easily have been doubled with their opponents not getting out of their own half in the second period. Crisp passing and interchanges saw the Crown boys carve open their visitors to the RSN Stadium, time and time again. After a slow start, an own goal settled any nerves before Ken Chansopheak and Yeu Muslim were on target ahead of the half-time break. Chhuot Senteang netted twice soon after the restart and then Theang Chhaya fired in a thunderbolt that the keeper didn't even see. Choun Chanchav, Suon Noeut and two late goals from Pov Ponvuthy completed the rout.
The foundations for the two new futsal artificial grass pitches at the RSN Stadium are currently being laid. This will be another very welcome addition to the club's facilities, which both the Crown senior and Academy teams can use, as well as being rented out to other clubs and associations. Floodlights will allow night-time use of the pitches as well.

The Academy line-up who played the 1st-half against Komar Takhmao. Back Row LtoR: Piphop, Sakrovy, Sodavid, Sovann; Front: Phearath, Chansopheak, Noeut, Muslim, Rozak

Mat Sakrovy keeps a close eye on the ball

The boys line-up for the pre-match handshakes

Sath Rozak leads the youngsters through their pre-game warm-up

An early look at Crown's new floodlit futsal pitches

The Crown futsal pitches greet visitors immediately they enter the stadium area