Naga Corp’s Momoh Sumaila (left) tries to shoot past Prek Pra captain Khin Voeurn during their Metfone C-League game yesterday. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey eked out a hard-fought 3-2 victory over National Police Commissary in an evenly poised Metfone C-League encounter at Olympic Stadium yesterday.

An injury-time strike by Long Nasy proved too little too late for Police as Kirivong lasted out to pick up three full points.

Heng Kimhong blasted the opening goal for the Takeo side in the 30th minute before the Police hit back soon after wards through Sim Vutha to share the first-half honours at 1-1.

Several promising Police raids deep into Kirivong territory fell apart as the strike force lost possession, easing the pressure on the Kirivong backline.

Taking advantage on the break, Kirivong wrested the lead through Mam Sophal early in the second period and had a long wait ahead of them until their midfield spearhead, In Vicheka, cushioned the lead to 3-1.

With tension on the pitch mounting, both sides were over-indulgent in physical play during the last 20 minutes, resulting in several yellow cards.

Although Kirivong had a two-goal buffer to fall back on, the Police were running out of time and, in one desperate, last-ditch attempt, Long Nasy managed to bridge the gap but not quite close it.

Naga too good for Prek Pra

A resurgent Naga Corp were treated to a delightful double by new arrival Nuth Sinoun, as the former champions made short work of third-from-the-bottom Prek Pra Keila with a 3-1 win in yesterday’s second game to exact revenge for their 3-2 first leg shock defeat.

Build Bright United’s loss proved Naga’s gain as striker Nuth Sinoun went on to demonstrate that he still has a lot left in him with a breezy third-minute goal which he doubled up on  in the  24th minute.

In between the two strikes came Prek Pra’s only success, when Sos Souhana found the mark. But the 2009 champ-ions, looking far more ass-ured and organised, kept the initiative until left winger Chin Chum’s header put the outcome beyond Prek Pra’s reach.

Most of the Naga moves were triggered from the left flank by Chin Chu.

Several of his prominent crosses went begging as both Omogba Esoh and Nuth Sin-oun failed to take advantage of them.

There were a couple of inspiring runs by Philip Ali, but on several occasions his goal-bound shots were either cleared by the defenders or thwarted by Naga goalkeeper Phorn Ratana.

With the win, Naga remain hot on the heels of reigning champions Phnom Penh Crown, just a point adrift in second and four ahead of third-placed Preah Khan Reach.

Prek Pra, meanwhile, are hovering a point above the drop zone.