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Sikkim Premier Division League 2019 – Matchday 5

Sikkim Premier Division League 2019 – Matchday 5
The O.G of Indian Football: Former Indian captain, Bhaichung Bhutia,
turned up in United Sikkim’s colors in the Sikkim Premier Division League.
Photo Courtesy: Gangtok Times

Sikkim Aakraman FC has been handed a one-year ban by the Sikkim Football Association. Bhaichung Bhutia inspired United Sikkim FC to their first win in the Sikkim Premier Division League. Unicorn FC were at the receiving end of another thrashing – this time at the hands of Sikkim Himalayan FC.  

Sikkim Aakraman banned for one year

Sikkim Aakraman FC’s 100% start in the Sikkim Premier Division League came to an end after a 1-1 draw against Sikkim Police FC at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. But what followed next effectively ended the club’s participation in the league.

Three players and a coach of Sikkim Aakraman FC was accused of assaulting the referee after the match. The next day, Sikkim Football Association imposed a one-year ban for the club.

In essence, the tournament is over for the team that dominated the tournament. The SFA has offered the club to approach the Appeal Committee after 1st October – the tournament ends on 19th September.

The notice handed to Sikkim Aakraman FC by the Sikkim Football Association.
The notice handed to Sikkim Aakraman FC by the Sikkim Football Association.
Photo Courtesy: @AakramanXI

The match was scrappy at best and the referee cautioned seven players and ejected two players from each team in order to regain control of the match.  

Sikkim Police struck first through Bir Bahadur Pradhan, the striker heading his team in the lead at 16th minute mark. This was the first goal conceded by Aakraman FC in five matches.

After the hour mark, Sikkim Aakraman FC was awarded a spotkick courtesy a handball in the Sikkim Police penalty area. Don Tshering Lepcha stepped up to slot in the spot kick and even the scores. The next day he received a one-year ban along with his teammates.

Unbeaten, but out. The heavy-handedness by the Sikkim FA has left a promising football team out to dry.

Enter the Bhaichung

Bhaichung Bhutia came off the bench to guide United Sikkim to a 3-1 win over Boys Club, Gangtok. The former Indian captain is a joint-owner of the club and after four losses in a row, the legend laced up his boots to show his players how it’s done.  

After a goalless first half, Bhaichung stepped on the field in his No. 15 jersey and made an immediate impact. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute through Suraj Subba. Thirteen minutes later it was 2-0, Sonam Tamang the goalscorer. 

Bhaichung got his name on the score sheet with a strike in the 70th minute to put the result beyond doubt. 

Rohit Tamang scored a consolation goal for Boys Club in the 87th minute, but the day belonged to Bhaichung and United Sikkim FC in registering their first victory in this season of the Sikkim Premier Division League.

The Sikkim Premier Division League table at the end of Round 5.

A thrashing and a narrow win

Sikkim Himalayan SC thrashed Unicorn FC 9-0 to move up the table in the Sikkim Premier Division League at the Paljor Stadium.

Eugene Yaw Nimako scored a double hattrick to top the goalscoring charts. Musa bagged himself a a brace and Zangpa chipped in with a goal. Sikkim Himalayan SC climb to second place with eight points and has a game in hand. 

In the last match of the round, Kumar Sporting FC beat State Sports Academy by a solitary goal. Mayal Lepcha converted a penalty in the 85th minute to help Kumar Sporting secure the win and go level on points with State Sport Academy

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