The Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC in a Second Division League encounter at the SSN College Ground here today. After going ahead through Zonunmawia, Chennaiyin conceded either side of half-time and were unable to recover from the deficit.

The boys in blue made two changes following their defeat to Bengaluru FC ‘B’ last time out. Bibin Boban and Joysana Singh came into the starting eleven in place of Lalliansanga Renthlei and Bedashwor Singh.

Both teams cancelled each other out in a cagey opening few minutes. CFC striker B. Rohmingthanga was a threat with his forays into the TRAU box from the right flank but the end product was lacking. The visitors from Imphal tried hard to break through the Chennaiyin ranks but the home defence stood resolute.

Chennaiyin then took the lead just past the half-hour mark through a wonderful team goal. Skipper Prosenjit Chakraborty’s pass found Rohmingthanga’s darting run at the edge of the box, who then played a perfectly weighted pass to winger Joysana Singh. Joysana took the ball to the byline and squared it towards the penalty spot, where Zonunmawia was waiting to side-foot home CFC’s opener.

The hosts continued to play with poise after going ahead but a moment of inexperience lead to TRAU’s equalizer just before the break. Princewill Emeka, TRAU’s Nigerian forward drove at a CFC defence that kept backing away. Emeka went on to unleash a fierce strike that went in off the underside of the cross-bar.

TRAU began the second period strongly, with Ngangbam Naocha’s surging run 30 seconds after the restart resulting in a brilliant diving save by CFC ‘B’ keeper Sayak Barai. And TRAU’s constant pressure in the ensuing period paid off in the 53rd minute when Laishram Milan Singh flicked the visitors into the lead after a low-cross from the right.

CFC ‘B’ almost drew level on 77 minutes after Joseph Lalsanglura won a free-kick outside the TRAU box on the right wing. The ball fell to Chennaiyin left-back Hendry Antonay in the middle of the penalty area, his stinging first-time volley clattering off the cross-bar.

Syed Suhail Pasha came on in place of Prosenjit and caused some discomfort in the TRAU ranks but the team from Imphal held on to run out 2-1 winners.

Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ play their next game against Jamshedpur FC Reserves on Sunday April 15th, 2018 at 4 PM at the SSN College Ground, Chennai.

(Chennaiyin FC)