WITH survival in the Metfone C League on the line, Chhalam Samut pulled themselves out of the drop zone with a 3-0 victory over Kirivong Sok Sen Chey at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

Going into their last fixture in a must-win situation, the Sea Sharks took absolute control of the pitch, thanks in the main to splendid work by three of their African imports who accounted for a goal each.

Frontliner Sanny Dauda produced a 15th minute strike of quality to open the scoring and Paul Olabode doubled the lead minutes before the break.

With Kirivong Sok Sen Chey struggling to strike a rhythm, the African trio continued to pile on the pressure and Ayodele Silva, linking up well with his midfield partners, ensured safety for the side beyond doubt with the third goal seven minutes into the second session.

The victory hauled the Sea Sharks, who appeared in the top flight only this season, to the comfort of eighth place in the league standings, while giving Prek Pra Keila the boot along with Rithysen to the second tier next year.

“We are terribly disappointed.” said one of the Prek Pra fans, who had gathered in big numbers to cheer Kirivong.

The Sharks took their 18-match tally to 16 points from five wins, one draw and nine defeats. Kirivong Sok Senchey, who finished fifth last year, slid down to sixth, with 26 points from eight wins, two draws and eight losses.

POLICE DOWN BBU

In the day’s first match, Commissariat of National Police ended their first season in Premier company with a seventh place finish following their 2-1 victory over Build Bright United, who dropped down to fifth from their best ever high of third place last year.

The Police opened up a two-goal cushion after Samuth Dalin and Noun Borey were on the mark. Then it was the turn of the backline to safeguard the lead for the Police as BBU mounted several promising counters. The university-backed side had to wait until injury time for their consolation goal, a penalty conversion by Chun Sothearth.

This was the seventh win for the Police on the top of two draws and nine defeats for a total of 23 points. BBU’s tottering campaign this year was made up of nine wins, a draw and eight losses for 28 points.