GUWAHATI, Jan 19 - A superb hat-trick by Seminlem Doungel gave NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) 3-1 victory against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sarusajai here this evening.
It was a surprising result as the 9th position holders, with 7 points, the local outfit drubbed Chennaiyin FC which is at the 2nd position in the 10-team table with 20 points.
The Manipuri boy Seminlem Doungel put the Highlanders ahead in the 42 minute with a powerful left footer through a crowed defence. The same striker doubled the score-line immediately after returning from the break (46th minute). Doungel completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute.
Anirudh Thapa reduced the margin in the 79th minute.
It was however the visiting team which dominated the proceeding with perfect team work. In the first session the Chennaiyin FC team overpowered the local team in all departments and came close of scoring on several occasions. But their frontliners missed the target by whisker.
The local boys were more aggressive and used their muscles than skill particularly in the middle third of the pitch.
With today�s victory NEUFC have collected 10 points from 10 matches.
