ATL Season 8: Opening wins for Natak FC, Trinity Sporting

DIMAPUR — The Season 8 of the Above 35 League (ATL) kicked off at the DGP Ground in Chümoukedima on September 21.

According to an update, a total of five teams are taking part this season.

Formerly known as the Case Premier League (CPL), the ATL caters to football enthusiasts aged 35 and above, with matches following a home-and-away format played exclusively on Saturdays. Each team will play twice across 10 match days, with the season concluding on November 23.

Natak FC 4-0 Nizams FC

Season 7 champions Natak FC started off the ATL Season 8 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nizams FC. The match’s opening goal came in the 14th minute when Mangkai finished a precise cross from Ikusa. Nizams were left reeling just minutes later when Hukato doubled Natak’s lead with a brilliant solo run in the 22nd minute.

Despite Nizams dominating possession, their efforts were thwarted when Mathung made a spectacular save, palming away a free-kick from Aponthung headed for the top left corner. Natak, however, made the most of their counterattacks, scoring two goals from three chances in the first half.

Any hopes of a second-half comeback were dashed when Mangkai scored his second in the 57th minute. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Hukato’s long-range screamer, sealing Natak’s 4-0 win.

Trinity Sporting 9-1 Late Strikers

The second match saw four-time champions Trinity Sporting demolish Late Strikers 9-1 in a goal-packed affair. The deadlock was broken in the 14th minute when Meyiakum scored a well-taken goal, opening the floodgates for Trinity. Lamtenthong, who came on as a substitute, stole the show with a hat trick, as Trinity’s experience and cohesion overwhelmed their opponents.

Late Strikers’ Atoho managed a stunning long-range consolation goal, perhaps the best of the day, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Trinity from closing the match with seven different goal scorers.

Also read: NSF Trophy: Red Scars FC, Seithekema FC and New Market FC triumph