Crisis in NPL: Dimapur Utd walk out of league

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, SEPT 25 The Nagaland     Premier League was left staring down yet another disastrous turn of events after Dimapur United on Wednesday withdrew from the league following a controversial match against Kohima Komets here at DDSC stadium. Soon as the referee blew whistle to call time on the match, Dimapur United officials approached the NPL management and verbally intimated the club’s decision to forfeit any further participation in the league. It is, however, understood that the club is yet to submit the withdrawal in writing to the NPL management. This drastic decision was mainly prompted by, among others, the alleged favoritism shown by the NPL management towards Kohima Komets. Dimapur United officials were left affronted when the NPL authority did not allow striker Amir to come on as a substitute following an objection raised by the Kohima Komets bench. Dimapur United manager, Dev Barman fumed that the NPL management was ‘ignoring” the fact that the club had bought the player last season and that his name had been cleared by the Nagaland Football Association, through the office of Dimapur District Football Association. The player in question, Amir was a regular feature for Dimapur United in the last season. The manager cited NPL guidelines that allow clubs/teams to use 5 “non-local players.” “And the opposition should raise their objections 24 hours prior to the match, as per guidelines,” he said. Insisting that Wednesday’s turn of events were not in line with the accepted norms and provisions, the manager said that Dimapur United has decided to withdraw from the NPL. “Yes, it is confirmed. You write it down,” he responded when Eastern Mirror sought confirmation of their withdrawal from the league. And yet, by all indications, it would appear that the crisis could have been averted if the NPL management had put in place a Technical Director to oversee the conduct of the clubs in buying players. This was the view shared by Kohima Komets manager William Koso. The young manager told Eastern Mirror that his club had in fact objected to the NPL management about Amir’s inclusion in the squad “last night.” He alleged that Dimapur United could not produce the inter-state clearance certificate issued by the West Bengal Football Association for Amir, who hails from Darjeeling. “And by protocol, all clubs playing in leagues functioning under AIFA should get clearance certificate for players from their respective boards,” he said while adding that Komets’ objection had been based on that ground. Technical Directors usually oversee such exercise in which players bought from outside are subjected through strict scrutiny. Last season, the NPL had a Technical Director. This year, the players’ card bears no signature from the Technical Director. “Are we even aware of the role of a technical director in a league?” Koso wondered. 10-man Komets edge past Dimapur United Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, SEPT 25 Top contender, Kohima Komets limped to a 1-0 win over a muscular Dimapur United in an NPL match played here Wednesday at DDSC stadium. The controversial encounter was settled by a goal in the 88th minute from the boots of Kivi. Komets, forced to play the last quarter of the match with a player down following the dismissal of Simon after a second book-able offense, benefited from a rare moment of fluent inter-play between new signings, Kivi and captain Athing. Both the players have been signed from Naga Tornadoes. Last year’s player of the season, Athing broke down the left flank and teased a cross into the box. Kivi’s blistering pace ensured that he was there to thump home the cross from six yards out. Dimapur United had numerous chances, especially and ironically before the dismissal of Simon. Ultimately, their profligacy in front of the goal would cost them dear. They could have scored at least three in the first half. Strangely, United were off the steam off as soon as Komets were reduced to 10 men. Their midfield was solid, muscular and creative. Even the shooters had that extra yard, but consistently wayward. Prior to the goal, Komets had only one genuine chance at goal. Athing, despite playing below his usual standard, almost sank home a 25 yarder in the 9th minute. Only a despairing yet brilliant dive from the goalie prevented the goal. Dimapur United wasted at least half a dozen chances as the match threatened to turn one-sided. The Komets midfield was promptly stifled and overran. Kivi produced a spectacular run that saw him gallop past four United players but his shot was deflected to safety. The Komets keeper also produced a string of spectacular saves to keep the team in the match. Lalboi and company, of Dimapur United, had to ultimately suffer for their extravagance as the old and tested pair of Kivi and Athing, both products of the State Football Academy Dimapur, finally managed to string one play right. Nito Sumi of Dimapur United and David of Kohima Komets received yellow cards. Barak FC see off United Redskins Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, SEPT 25 The second NPL match at DDSC stadium on Wednesday saw yet another impressive performance from defending champions Barak FC who saw off a spirited challenge from newcomers United Redskins of Mon district to leave the game with a 3-1 win. The result, however, was a poor reflection of the performance dished out by United Redskins. Comprised mostly of tiny, nimble-footed and quick players, the new kids on the block weaved some wonderful and easy-on-the-eye moves that left the handful of spectators in delight. The aesthetic display of the beautiful game however, and sadly to be honest, was not enough to beat a wonderfully drilled machine that has seen it all before and topped it too. Experience proved to be the deciding factor as the champions knocked in two second half goals to squeeze the game out of the “kids” after the first half had been left tied at 1-1. In a script similar to Barak’s opening game against Dynamic FC, it was striker Khuanjang who drew first blood in the 27 minute with yet another delightful left footer. When he is crafting such exquisite curlers, there are few sights more delightful than Khuanjang in full artistry. Five minutes after the goal, Redskins were on level. And some goal it was. After a dazzling exchange of passes and soft-shoed movements, the impressive Manjah fire home a fine goal to even the score. Twelve minutes after the interval, Barak came up with a worthy, if not equal, response when Disingam drove home another wonderful goal from 25 yards out. Cue, a barrage of Redskins assaults down the Barak flank. But, as delightful as it was to watch the twinkling footwork from the diminutive Redskins, they were sorely missing a muscular presence in the middle. Keny drove in the final nail in the coffin with a goal in the 86th minute for Barak. [tabs type="horizontal"][tabs_head][tab_title]3rd Match result [/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]Zonipang SA 3-1 Dynamic FC [/tab][/tabs]