Commerce and Kanbawza players jostle for the ball in last week's hotly contested match at Aung San Stadium that Commerce won 2-0. Pic: Aung Tun Win

COMMERCE continued its rich vein of form in the Myanmar League, beating archrival and last season’s runner-up Kanbawza 2-0 to remain unbeaten after five matches.

Two goals from striker Sa Htet Naing Win was enough to secure the points for Commerce in a thrilling match that saw both sides play attacking, end-to-end football.

From the kick off Kanbawza attacked strongly and put their opponents under some fierce pressure. Only excellent defensive work from Commerce midfielders Aung Myo Thant and Zaw Lin Tun denied Kanbawza an early reward for their hard work.

But after the initial 20 minutes Kanbawza’s domination began to wane. Commerce’s wingers Yar Zar Win Thein and Myo Min Tun began to control the game, the latter providing the cross for Sa Htet Naing Win to open the scoring with a fine header in the 28th minute.

The final 10 minutes of the opening half saw Commerce put their opposition under the pump; Kanbawza keeper Myo Lwin Oo made three magnificent saves and his side was forced to concede six corners.

As they have all season, Commerce produced some quality free kicks, Myo Min Tun in particular put in balls that caused Kanbawza’s backline no end of trouble.

The second half began in the same manner as the first, with Kanbawza making the early running. Midfielder Nay Zaw Htet went desperately close to equalising but his close range strike was denied by a tremendous save from Commerce keeper Thiha Si Thu.

But once again Commerce’s midfielders began to assert their influence, culminating in a second goal. On 81 minutes the dangerous Myo Min Tun won the ball, made a one-two pass with Aung Myo Thant, advanced into the area and teed up Sa Htet Naing Win for his second. The striker exhibited beautiful ball control before unleashing an accurate right foot shot, which deflected in off the post.

The goal sealed the victory for Commerce, who have already made up the five point penalty imposed on them after the Opening Cup.

The result was something of a surprise as the sides’ midweek friendly matches against South Korea’s Ulsan University had markedly different results; Kanbawza won 1-0 while Commerce was defeated 4-1.

In other match, Transport defeated Forestry 2-1 for their fourth win of the season from five matches. Home Affair and Royal Eleven F.C had to be content with a point each after a 1-1 draw, while Army was beaten 1-2 by YCDC. It was Army’s third loss of the season and they remain pointless on the bottom of the ladder.