National Police Commissary captain Sophal Oudom rounds Build Bright United’s Hem Simay (left) and Tuy Sam to score his second. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Preah Khan Reach coach Rith Dikar said he didn’t want a third draw on the trot from their Metfone C-League game against Kirivong Sok Sen Chey on Saturday, but that’s exactly what they got in a topsy-turvy 2-2 tie at Olympic Stadium.Kirivong opened the scoring on 40 minutes in controversial fashion, as striker In Vichheka raced onto a through ball from Nelson Oladiji and knocked it past PKR keeper Ouk Mich.

“Everyone knows that it was an offside, but [the referee] didn’t see,” said Rith Dikar. “I’m so sad to see that.”

Despite PKR remonstrations, the goal stood and the Takeo based club went into the break one up. However, it took just two minutes after the restart for parity to be restored.

PKR defender Lay Rasmey struck a cross from deep towards Khounla Boravy, whose directed header glanced off the bar for teammate Tum Saray to make no mistake with the rebound.

In the 63rd minute, the Kirivong frontmen reversed their roles with Vichheka

setting up Oladiji for his fourth goal of the campaign. Six minutes later, their first choice keeper Kem Makara suffered a nasty collision with his defender Touch Sok Heng and needed replacing by Kun Thnou.

The inexperienced substitute showed a lack of communication with his back four to allow Khounla Boravy to snatch an equaliser. PKR’s Golden Boot wearer has now notched goals in his last seven club appearances.

“My boys played well,” said Rith Dikar. “I knew we could not try to get the best result when we field our youngsters, but it is our policy for football development.”

In Vichheka, meanwhile, expressed Kirivong’s satisfaction at the draw.

“We drew against the Hun Sen Cup champions, so this proves we are not an easy team [to beat]. I’m so happy with our team spirit. We should have won.”

Police clamp down on BBU

Referee Khuon Vireak took no prisoners in Saturday’s later match between Build Bright United and National Police Commissary, as he dished out no less than 10 yellow cards and three reds in their feisty battle which the Police won 3-1.

Midfielder Ngoun Chansothea received his second booking after just 13 minutes to get his marching orders but, despite being a man down, the Police took the lead through a header from skipper Sophal Udom.

With a minute left in the half, BBU also had their ranks reduced to 10 men when captain Chhun Sothearath picked up his second yellow.

After the interval, the newly promoted Police outfit doubled their advantage as Sim Vutha got his name on the scoresheet for the first time. On 75 minutes Sim Vutha turned provider, playing through Sophal Udom who neatly rounded defender Tuy Sam and keeper Hem Simay to complete his brace.

Four minutes later the Police were down to nine when Ieng Tin was dismissed for a foal on Seng Komsen.

With time running out, BBU grabbed a consolation through Prom Puthsethy off a Seng Komsen cross, but it was too little too late as the Police made a mockery of their numerical disadvantage.