Railway defender Yan Shin crudely tackles Commerce’s Myo Hlaing Oo and earns a yellow card in the process. Pic: Hein Latt Aung

REIGNING Myanmar League champion Customs last week regained first place on the table with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Home Affairs but was again displaced by rival Kanbawza.

Customs, for all their good work, could only manage to hold top spot for 24 hours. The following day Kanbawza edged Energy 1-0 in a tight match, the win propelling them above the defending champions and into top position, albeit on goal difference.

Kanbawza displayed no ill-effects from playing two games in four days, the earlier a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of Defense.

Customs went into their contest under pressure to get a result and snatch back top spot. This seemed to give the defending champions the motivation they needed and Customs almost took the lead in the first minute – captain Soe Myat Min saw his close-range shot well saved by keeper Myo Lwin.

Customs again almost opened the scoring when, in the 12th minute, winger Tun Tun Win hit a thunderous 25-yard shot that rebounded back off the woodwork.

They took the lead just four minutes later when forward Zaw Htike accurately finished off a neat cross from Soe Myat Min, placing the ball in the left corner with a low shot.

On 28 minutes Si Thu Win nearly equalised for the underdogs but his powerful header was perfectly denied by keeper Aung Aung Oo. He was then thwarted by the woodwork twice in three minutes – it just wasn't Home Affairs' day.

The second half was an even more intense affair that sometimes threatened to get nasty – Home Affairs pocketed three yellow cards for some aggressive tackles.

Customs left winger Paing Soe was a constant thorn in Home Affairs side. His hard work paid off in the 65th minute when he floated in a perfect far post cross for Soe Myat Min to head in and seal a Customs victory.

In the other key match of the round, Commerce defeated Myanmar Railway 3-0 thanks to a dazzling display from midfield trio Myo Min Htun, Yar Zar Win Thein and Aung Myo Thant.

Commerce took the lead after just six minutes. A well-constructed move saw Yar Zar Win Thein combine with Aung Myo Thant before Myo Min Tun coolly finished past the keeper.

Commerce piled on the pressure and the inevitable second goal came in the 34th minute when Bo Bo Aung headed in from Myo Min Tun’s far post cross.

Ye Lin Aung was Railway’s saviour in the second half, making several key saves. But Commerce sealed the victory when, from a counterattack, Yar Zar Win Thein floated the ball into the area for Sa Htet Naing Win to accurately head home on 78 minutes.

Newly-promoted club Royal Eleven FC lifted themselves above the relegation zone by defeating Forestry 2-1, jumping to 11th on the ladder.