Kohima, Nov. 19 (EMN): Two times former champions New Market have reached the final of the Classic Cup for the 7th time however their last trophy came way back in 1998, and they have managed to reach the final for the fourth year. New Market FC has finished runners-up in 10th, 12th, 16th and 17th Classic Cup in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2011 respectively.
New Market are now in the final of the tournament after thrashing St Joseph’s College Jakhama 9-0 in the semis setting up the final clash against Barak FC on Nov. 20 (Monday) at the Kohima local ground.
New Market in this edition boasts the like of Kwetelhi Thopi, a former player of Aizawl FC who is the joint highest scorer of the tournament with nine goals. Mathew Kezhose, who was the highest scorer in the NSF Martyrs’ Trophy this year along with Yhanshalo Kemp in the front line.
The deadly striker Yhanshalo has scored 17 goals for Kohima Komets in the 19th Classic Cup. So far, the three strikers have contributed 13 goals in four matches for New Market.
According to a report made available by senior journalist and Kohima Press Club president Xavier Rutsa, so far in Classic Cup from 1995-2017 (till the semifinal), New Market has played 82 matches, won 48 matches, drawn 20 matches, and lost only 14 matches. They have scored a total of 179 goals and conceded 55 goals. New Market were the champions of Classic Club in the year 1995 and 1998.
But their last major title came way back in 2006 when they lifted the Sekrenyi League trophy. Since then New Market FC have not won any trophies, though on several occasion it came close to finishing runner-up in various tournaments such as runners-up in the 12th Youth Soccer Cup in 2006, runners-up in 18th Royal Gold Cup in 2008, runners-up for Kohima Football league and Kohima Cup 2017.
Can the trio strikers break the title drought for New Market that has lasted for more than 10 years and give the fans to cheer about before the Christmas?
