PREAH KHAN REACH SECOND SPOT IN CPL

But the three points won only managed to shave just one point off league leaders Phnom Penh Empire FC, who still occupy the top spot in the standings.

Phnom Penh are on 40 points from 15 games played while Preah Khan have garnered 27 points from 14 matches.

Third is Build Bright United with 26 points from the same 14 games played.

In the match against Kirivong, Preah Khan were firing on all pistons as they took a 3-0 lead at the break with a double from Cambodian international Sam El Nasa (15th and 33rd minute) following an earlier strike from Sok Chan Rasmey early in the fourth minute.

Kirivong then scored their only goal in the game off La Sokry in the 76th minute.

In the meantime, National Defense Ministry FC strengthened their position in mid-table with a close 4-3 win over Post-Tel FC as Lan Sotheara nailed a late winner deep in injury time.

Nao Sok Seyla started the ball rolling with the first goal of the game in the very first minute of play before Post-Tel replied with two quick goals off Ek Vannak in the 17th minute and Duro A. ten minutes later.

But Phuong Sok Sanna then replied for National Defense with two minutes remaining to the break for the score to stand at 2-2.

The score remain tied for much of the second half until two late goals from To Vanthann (82nd minute) for National Defense and Ensi M. M. (87th minute) for Post-Tel put the score at 3-3.

Then, came the late, late strike from Sotheara.

CURRENT CAMBODIA PREMIER LEAGUE STANDINGS

1. PHNOM PENH EMPIRE 40pts (+26)

2. PREAH KHAN REACH FC 27pts (+7)

3. BUILD BRIGHT UNITED FC 26pts (+12)

4. NAGA CORP FC 23pts (+8)

5. NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY FC 22pts (+9)

6. KHEMARA KEILA FC 20pts (+4)

7. KIRIVONG SOK SEN CHEY FC 14pts (-14)

8. MOHA GARUDA FC 12pts (-14)

9. POST-TEL CLUB FC 11pts (-17)

10. PHUCHUNG NEAK FC 9pts (-21)

PIC:Kirivong Sok Sen Chey FC (in red kit) vs Preah Khan Reach FC (in blue kit)