Thimphu FC suffered a disappointing 2-5 loss to Paro FC at home on October 23 at Changlingmithang in the ongoing BOB national league 2018.

The result helped Paro FC, one of the new teams in the league extend their lead in the top two spots with 15 points in eight games. The club recorded five wins and three losses so far.

Thimphu FC stands at the bottom of the league. The club finished in top three spots in both competitive domestic leagues of Thimphu and national league last year.

However, with only two wins and six losses in eight games, the club is on the verge of recording one of the worst performances in the national league since 2016. Thimphu FC qualified to play in the national league after finishing third in Thimphu league.

Thimphu FC is lead by a former Thimphu City coach and player, Vincent Deacon from England in this edition. “We were not aware that we are ranked last in the league. And we are not playing well enough,” he said.

The away team played strong in the early first half and scored an opener in the 23rd minute after pressing the host with several shots and chances since the first whistle.

A brace from Lhendup Dorji, one each from Prakash Budathoki, Orok Orok and Phub Thinley helped Paro FC score their highest goal in one game.

Jigme Tshering and Dinesh Gurung scored for Thimphu FC to end the game 2-5. However, the match went in favor of the visitors, Paro FC.

The debutant knocked Thimphu FC out of the title contest at home following Transport United’s 9-0 thrashing of Phuentsholing United on October 21. The result at Changlingmithang ended latter’s title hope.

Phuentsholing United recorded one of the best results: two wins against Thimphu FC and Paro FC, and a draw against Transport United FC.

The club is ranked second last in the table and has two matches against Ugyen Academy FC at home and away match against Thimphu FC.

Despite playing two new clubs from Paro and Phuentsholing the ongoing edition of the league featured most competitive and unpredictable results this year. The clubs are separated by one game points difference in the league table.

The clubs participating in the league 2018 have a minimum of two games each left.

The league leaders, Transport United FC, recorded the highest of nine goals in one game against Phuentsholing United. The defending champions will play against Paro FC and Ugyen Academy FC, placed in top three spots in the remaining fixtures.

Transport United lost to Paro FC 3-2 and defeated Ugyen Academy FC 0-1 in the first round of the league.

Unlike the past editions of the league, it was a tough season for the runners-up Thimphu City this year. The club lost some of its players to injury before the season began.

The Citizens lost three games, won three and got a draw in this edition. The club’s new signing from Brazil and Australia played a vital role. Tshering Dorji’s return with the club after an injury was a boost for the team.

The club should remain undefeated in the remaining three fixtures to stay alive in the championship race.

Ugyen Academy FC also have a good chance to win the championship. However, they will have to face two toughest teams, Thimphu City and Transport United in the remaining fixtures.

Transport United and Paro FC are placed on the top of league, separated by a single point differeceived,  16 and 15 points in eight games respectively.

Nima