It was a sunny day in Thimphu but it was raining goals at the Changlimithang Stadium.

In what could be one of the most lopsided matches in the history of national football, Thimphu City humbled Phuentsholing City scoring 13 goals and kept a clean sheet.

After suffering their biggest defeat in the league so far at the hands of Transport United last weekend, Thimphu City returned to contest for the top spot.

Thimphu City made two changes in the back line as defenders Jigme Tshering and Nima Wangdi were suspended.

Chimi Dorji and Manoj Gurung started in the first eleven building up the play from the defending line. Ajit Bhujel started from the right side to make the back four.

Playing at home ground, Thimphu City opened the score against the team that is at the bottom of the league.

Lungtok Dawa set up Karma Shedrup to score in the 17th minute. The latter assisted Chencho Gyeltshen to score the second goal after 13 minutes.

With no resistance from Phuentsholing City, Thimphu City went on to add two more goals in the first half.

Beaten 6-3 in the second leg clash against Transport United Thimphu City was determined to reclaim their lost glory.

On the other hand, Phuentsholing City, which was close to conceding 50 goals, had run out of strengths to prevent the onslaught of goals.

Thimphu City coach Vincent Deacon said the team worked on a lot of aspects, pressing on set pieces and defending corners.

“We didn’t take it lightly and we’ve won the game. We decided to play like it was the end, improve everyone and we can still win the championship,” said the coach.

Phuentsholing City entered the league for the first time and replaced Bhutan Clearing FC, which was disqualified last year. The club hired players from across the border to improve their squad and fight in the league. The team has no wins after playing seven games.

Phuentsholing City coach Tandin Penjore is hopeful that his team would perform better after the 23-day break.

“Boys played a good game today but the poor fitness of the players failed to stop the opponent from scoring. I am hopeful that we’ll come stronger after the break,” said the coach.

The football club from the south of Bhutan which is known for producing talented young players has conceded 57 goals, the highest at this stage of the tournament.

Ugyen Academy FC conceding seven goals in as many matches holds the record for the least goals in this league.

Transport United is on the top of league followed by Thimphu City. Ugyen Academy FC finished third ahead of Thimphu FC with 12 points before the international break.

The league will resume on September 9. Each team has three matches to play in the league.

Nima 

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