Kirivong Sok Sen Chey’s Bryan Edem (right) vies with Build Bright United’s Heng Sokly during their Metfone C-League match at Olympic Stadium yesterday. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

National Defence Ministry (MND) comfortably got the measure of Chhlam Samut yesterday at Olympic Stadium with a 2-0 victory to edge closer to the top bracket of the Metfone C-League.

The Army outfit struck a goal in each half and defended their territory with great verve to leave the Sea Sharks floundering.

Substitute Touch Sok Heng took just 31 seconds after coming off the bench to greet a Khek Khemarin cross from close range.

Armed with that 36th minute goal, MND twigged a few prominent openings after the break. But the side had to wait until the hour mark to boost their lead, a brilliant header from Phlong Chanthou off a Soeung Chanvanno free kick doing the trick.

There were some desperate breakaways from the Sharks but none could really make a dent in the Army backline.

While the victory thrusts MND to the top four of the table, the defeat for Sharks could spell real danger of the dreaded drop if they continue to slump in form. With Prek Pra Keila beating Naga Corp on Saturday, the battle for survival has changed dramatically and Chhlam Samuth could well be sucked into the demotion dogfight if they dont clean up their act.

Pich Sina on target for Bbu

A resurgent Build Bright United eked out a 1-0 victory over Kirivong Sok Sen Chey to somewhat steady their up and down form. A beautifully conceived goal by Pich Sina, who slotted home from a Oum Chandara throughball as late as the 62nd minute, turned out to prove decisive.

Kirivong defender Sos Nasiet, meanwhile, found his well targeted attempt five minutes before the end cruelly denied by the crossbar. With it disappeared Kirivong’s hopes of salvaging something out of this contest. There were moments of anguish at both ends in a game where no quarter was sought nor given.