Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 8 (EMN): New Market FC trounced Patkai Christian College 8-1 at the ongoing 22nd NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy organised on the theme, "goal for peace," by Angami Students' Union (ASU), at IG Stadium in Kohima on Saturday.
Beginning their campaign brightly, New Market, a local favourite team from Kohima, opened the floodgates through Yhunshalo Kemp in the 36th and 42nd followed by Rhitsho Mero's strike in the 45th, 57th and 69th minutes respectively during the second day of the edition.
Rhitsho, who became the first hattrick scorer of the tournament, was later awarded the player of the match.
New Market continued to increase their tally through a brace from Gideon and a goal through Neisede Peseyie during the later minutes of the second match.
The consolation goal for Patkai Christian College from Chumoukedima came through the boots of Eneibi Thopi in the 82nd minute.
Earlier, playing the first match of the day, Vafümai Gaziphema FC narrowly defeated Phusachodu Warriors FC 3 - 2.
Okho Christian opened the account for Gaziphema in the 19th minute to take the lead.
However, Warriors restored parity and equalised the scoreline through Zhoveto Chuzho in the 27th minute in the tightly contested game.
In the counter attack, Gaziphema again found the net through Chinakho in the 31st minute to end the first half with a 2 - 1 lead over Warriors.
A determined Gaziphema continued to make progress as they found their third goal through the boots of Ngachano in the 57th minute.
Warriors fought back hard and managed to score through Vekusa in the 79th minute. However, the team lost to Gaziphema with a goal deficit at the end of the match.
Chinakho of Gaziphema was awarded the player of the match.
Up till now, a total of 15 goals have been scored and three yellow cards were awarded.
Altogether, a total of 35 teams are vying for the coveted title.
Monday's fixture (October 10)
1st Match: Spartex Fc vs Chedema United FC (11:30 am)
2nd Match: Nagaland University Students Union KC vs Real Boys FC (1:30pm)