Football: FC Terton wrapped up the Yanmar Thimphu Premier League (YTPL) championship when they defeated Drukpol FC 2-1 yesterday with an amassing 28 points from 12 games.

With three games in hand, FC Terton was made to wait till their final game of the tournament to claim the championship. After losing to Thimphu FC 3-1 on Wednesday, the game was a must win for the table toppers.

The win didn’t come easy for the champions. Drukpol FC dominated the game with a near lead in the first 10 minutes of the game when striker Jigme Drakpa’s goal was ruled offside by the referee.

However in the 27th minute, striker Ngawang Dendup gave Terton the lead when he slid the ball through the legs of the goalie Khandu Drukpa from inside the box. Strike partner Diwash Subba doubled their lead in the 50th minute after a through ball from winger Jigme Yonten.

Winger Phub Dorji of Drukpol FC reduced the deficit when his strike hit the post, which took a deflection and rolled inside. Drukpol maintained the pressure and had several goal scoring opportunities but could not capitalise on any.

The woodwork prevented Drukpol FC from equalising in the 70th minute. The strike hit the top left corner of the post and went out for a goal kick.

Tertons’ manager, Tshering Phuntsho, said that it was a tough match. “We were confident of winning today but it was a hard fought win,” he said. He said they should have won before when they had three games in hand. “I’m happy that we are the champions at the end. Now we’ll prepare for the national league,” he said.

Skipper and defender Kinley Wangchuk of FC Terton was declared the man of the match for his match-saving saves during the game. He said Drukpol played exceptionally well. “There was constant pressure from them and at times it was difficult to handle, but at the end we somehow won and now we are the champions,” he said.   

Meanwhile, after 10 games Thimphu FC, Thimphu City FC and Druk United FC are in the race to qualify for the national league. With 20 points each Thimphu City FC and Druk United are in the second place while Thimphu FC is in the third place with 19 points.

Only three teams will qualify for the national league in July.

Younten Tshedup