No love lost

Preah Khan rounded off their 1st half of the season with an impressive 4-1 win over the Army

The Army boys will be gutted that they lost their final game of the first half of the C-League season. They'd done so well up til now, including that Hun Sen Cup final victory, so losing 4-1 to their Military Police arch-rivals, Preah Khan on Saturday will hurt. There was some blood and guts tackling at the start and the Army were cock-a-hoop to score the opening goal on 13 minutes, when Nov Soseila fizzed a shot through a crowd of legs. Samreth Seiha in the Army goal was in unbeatable form but suffered an elbow injury at half-time and had to be replaced. Sou Yaty took over and the normally reliable stopper spooned a free-kick to Suon Thuon for the equalizer 10 mins after the break. The game changed on 72 minutes. Red cards seem to follow referee Thong Chankethya around like a bad smell so it was no surprise when Khek Khemarin handled needlessly, got a 2nd yellow and the red, and PKR netted the penalty through Mr Cool, Sam El Nasa. Khim Borey had chances to get the Army back on level terms but failed before half-time sub Khuon Laboravy netted twice in the last 8 minutes. He's been on the bench in recent weeks but give him a chance and Laboravy usually comes up with the goods. This win will give PKR some much-needed confidence after an indifferent start whilst the Army need to pick up and start again when the league season kicks off after a week's break.

The Army in bouyant mood before the game, finished it with a whimper

Army skipper Khim Borey (7) asks referee Thong Chankethya to be excused before the kick-off