DIMAPUR, OCT 18 (NPN): Strikers Club strengthened their position at the top of the standings with a commanding 4–0 victory over Natak FC as Matchday 5 of the second edition of the Above Thirty-Five League (ATL) Cup concluded with action at Chümoukedima Local Ground and Patkai Christian College Ground on Saturday.
Nito starred for the league leaders, scoring a hat-trick to secure all three points and earn the King Sports Man of the Match award. Himato also found the net as Strikers Club produced a dominant attacking performance to maintain their momentum in the competition.
In the other matches, Super Strikers defeated Nizam Legends 2–0, while Nizams FC and Old Boys FC played out a goalless draw. The scheduled fixture between Trinity Sporting and Nova Old Stars was awarded to Trinity Sporting by a 2–0 margin after Nova Old Stars failed to turn up for the match.
In the 1:30 pm encounter at Chümoukedima Local Ground, Strikers Club made a blistering start against Natak FC, scoring twice within the opening seven minutes. Himato (#10) opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Nito (#20) doubled the advantage a minute later.
Strikers Club continued to control the match, with their attacking pressure and disciplined defensive display preventing Natak FC from finding a breakthrough.
Nito extended the lead in the 46th minute before completing his hat-trick in stoppage time at 50+1 minutes, sealing an emphatic 4–0 victory for the league leaders. His clinical finishing and decisive contribution earned him the King Sports Man of the Match award.
Despite their efforts, Natak FC were unable to breach the Strikers Club defence, as the latter secured a convincing win to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.
At Patkai Christian College Ground, Super Strikers registered a 2–0 victory over Nizam Legends in a closely contested encounter that remained goalless in the first half.
Super Strikers broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Theja (#2) calmly converted a penalty to give his side the lead. The team continued to press for a second goal, which eventually arrived in the 44th minute through Ramesh (#5), who finished off an assist from Obito (#99).
The two goals ensured a comfortable finish for Super Strikers, who collected all three points. Ramesh was named the King Sports Man of the Match for his contribution, including the crucial goal that helped seal the victory.
The late kickoff at Patkai Christian College Ground between Nizams FC and Old Boys FC ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw, with both sides unable to find the back of the net.
Old Boys FC displayed determination and resilience throughout the contest, playing the entire match without substitutes. Their disciplined defensive organisation and compact backline frustrated Nizams FC’s attacking attempts, ensuring that the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
Despite sustained efforts from Nizams FC, Old Boys FC held firm to secure a point from the encounter. Lepden (#26) was named the King Sports Man of the Match for his leadership and solid performance on the field.
In the scheduled fixture between Trinity Sporting and Nova Old Stars, the match did not take place as Nova Old Stars players failed to turn up. Consequently, Trinity Sporting was awarded a 2–0 victory by default.
With Matchday 5 completed across the two venues, Strikers Club further strengthened their position at the top of the league standings, while the contest for the available knockout positions remained closely fought.
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