Chhlam Samuth’s Loch Sophea bundles over BBU’s Seng Kusen during their Metfone C-League match yesterday. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Frontman Pich Sina played a pivotal role in Build Bright United’s 2-0 victory over Chhlam Samuth yesterday in their Metfone C-League tie at Olympic Stadium.

The hard working winger was distinctly unlucky to miss out on a couple of gilt-edged chances from open play, but had a stroke of fortune favouring him when it mattered. After a goal mouth scramble, Pich Sina’s angular shot through a crowd of defenders struck the upright and rolled back into the goal to give BBU a 66th minute lead. Almost instantly, the Sharks counterattacked with great verve only to see Sunday Silva’s screamer sail over the bar.

Armed with the advantage they so richly deserved, the University backed side attacked Chhlam Samuth with renewed vigour in the last 10 minutes. Sustained pressure brought its rewards for BBU when Pich Sina’s precision cross came invitingly to the feet of an advancing Sem Bunny, and the substitute made no mistake with his tap in a minute before the end.

The Sharks had their moments of ascendancy during a barren first half. Sanny Dauda squandered a one-on-one with BBU goalkeeper Heng Simay, driving the ball wide from close range. Midfielder Paul Olabode then smacked the ball off the post from a tight angle after a deep foray into the BBU box.

BBU also had several close misses during the first session, the most prominent being Chea Sophanny volleying wide from close range with an open goal mocking him.

The defeat for Chhlam Samuth was a clear setback in their attempt to safeguard their premier league status. Though they remain two points clear of Prek Pra Keila in their relegation battle, they are by no means out of the woods yet.

With their two-goal victory, BBU leapfrogged Ministry of National Defence into fourth in the table on goal difference.