IMPHAL, August 17: A hattrick from Rabindra helped his Awang Sekmai club, DMRAO earn a hard fought win against YDO, Konjeng Lamdong by 3-2.

Playing at the THAU ground for the Imphal West Super Division football league championship, the Awang Sekmai player Rabindra came all out to score a hattrick for his team and secure the team’s place at the top of the points table along-side YPHU, Lalambung at eight points with one more game in hand.

DMRAO has two more matches, while YPHU has one game left.

S Rabindra scored all the three goals for DMRAO in the 2nd, 16th and 53rd minutes of play.

While both the YDO goals were scored by Deepak in the 50th and 57th minutes.

Thangjoyleng Khongsai (29th) and Ng Bishorjit (48th) both of DMRAO were cautioned by the referee.

Geet of YDO was also cautioned in the 64th minute. YDO has six points with two matches remaining.

In the first ground match of the day, SU, Sagolband defeated IBSA, Yumnam Leikai by 3-1.

The goals for SU were scored by Mathingme in the 39th and 65th while A Nanao added another for the winning team in the 75th minute. The lone goal for IBSA was scored in the 40+1 minute by Kritivas.

SU has seven points after today’s win with one match remaining

After today’s defeat IBSA has only four points and faces relegation with only one match remaining.

Their last match against NACO will make their future in the league.

NACO has also four points but with two games remaining.