New Radiant 2 - 1 Valencia: Close encounter

Club Valencia under the guidance of former New Radiant coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) gave a game to remember as the Blues had to rely on two penalties to break the heart of hard fought Valencia.

New Radiant was the dominant force in the game but Valencia had their chances on counter attacks.

In the 22nd minute Ali Umar provided a through ball to Umair but referee whistled for a foul as Umair fouled keeper Faisal in the process.

In the 34th minute Umair provided a low cross to the six yard box and Ashfaaq had a slight kick on the ball but Valencia defenders cleared the ball from the line.

In the dying minutes of first half, Akram had a good chance to break the dead lock, unmarked inside the penalty area but his shot was straight at keeper Imran.

In the 46th minute, Umair met a good cross from Hussain Niyaz but he shot had a vital touch from keeper Faisal to send the ball for a corner.

In the 47th minute New Radiant had another chance but Niyaz's effort went across the goal.

In the 50th minute Ali Umar could have taken the lead but keeper Faisal reacted quickly to block the effort.

In the 61st minute Umair tried a beautiful bicycle kick but ball went inches over the cross bar and three minutes later Rilwan had a powerful shot denied by the post.

Ashfaaq broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute from the spot after Assad fouled Thariq inside the penalty area. Valencia players and officials showed their frustration to the decision.

In the 80th minute another penalty was awarded to New Radiant, this time a foul on Ashfaaq. Mukhthaar Naseer was given the marching orders for protesting and using abusive language to the referee. Ashfaaq doubled the lead for league leaders from the spot.

Valencia was awarded a penalty in the injury period of the game as Shifan fouled Hamdhaan and Assad stepped into take the penalty area and made no mistake.

Ali Ashfaaq, who was substituted in the later stage of the game, was awarded the man of the match.

With this win New Radiant completed 10 games without dropping a point and are now 15 points clear at the top. And if BG beat Maziya tomorrow, New Radiant will need just 13 points from the remaining 9 games to defend the title.