MND’s Thong Udom boots the ball next to the face of Kirivong’s Nelson Oladiji during their match at Olympic Stadium yesterday.

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey stoutly defended their two second half strikes to down Ministry of National Defence in their Metfone C-League game at the Olympic Stadium yesterday.

A 30-yard screamer by Song Dara from a ball that bounced back off an MND defender set the Takeo based team on top eight minutes after the restart. Riding home the advantage, an incisive drive into the box by Heng Kim Hong resulted in an overanxious Pheak Rady bringing the attacker down.

Referee Khuon Virak had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, with Nelson Oladaji stepping up to take the spotlight and being bang on target.

Armed with a two-goal cushion, Kirivong barricaded themselves in their own territory to shut out some desperate MND moves, one of which saw Chhin Chhoeun flagged down for offside in trying to reach a promising cross by Oum Kumpheak.

One of the most notable features of Kirivong’s tactics was reprising In Vichheka’s role as a defender for the national team – he usually plays up front for his club side – and he came up with a sterling performance, often breaking down prominent Army moves.

In a way it was grudge match for Kirivong, who competently overturned their first leg 1-0 loss to MND. Their fifth win of the season helped the provincial outfit move up a place to fifth with 17 points, while the Army held fourth with 18 points as they slumped to their fifth loss in 11 games.