Football: Defending champions Druk United bagged all three points in their opening match against Drukstar after a Drukstar defender scored an own goal in the third match of the Yanmar Thimphu Premier League yesterday.

After a lackluster display from both sides, Drukstar’s defender Dorji headed in an own goal in the 25th minute to give the defending champions Druk United a 1-0 win. A handful of suppoters who came to witness the match at the Changlimithang stadium yelled for more goals but the teams could not deliver any except for a few shots off the target.

The first half of the game didn’t see many opportunities from both the teams. Drukstar could have compensated for their own goal had their appeal been granted for a penalty kick in the 60th minute. Striker Lhendup Dorji was brought down just near the penalty box by a united defender but to their dismay, only a free kick was given. Drukstar could not capitalise from the opportunity as Lhendup Dorji blasted it over the post.

Druk United could have sealed the match in the 80th minute, but striker Khaidem Vicky Meitei’s attempt hit the post when he faced goalie Mon Bdr Bhattrai in a one-on-one situation.

In the final minutes of the game, Druk United tested Drukstar goalie on several occasions. But goalie Mon Bdr Bhattrai was equal to the challenge.

Khaidem Vicky Meitei of Druk United was declared the man of the match with his three on-target shots. Khaidem, an 18-year old striker from Manipur said that they could have done better. He said the team lacked composure and could not give their best. “We need to be more patient during our next match and produce better results,” he said.

Thimphu FC will take on Drukpol FC at 6pm today.

By Younten Tshedup