Shillong, march 04: Aizawl FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC by 4-1 in the Hero I-league encounter played today at the RG Stadium in Aizawl. Kromah scored a brace, while Lalkhawpuimawia & I. Vanlalruatfela scored a goal each for Aizawl FC. Teenager Donboklang Lyngdoh scored the only goal for Lajong in the final minutes of the match.
It was a slow start to the Derby today in Aizawl, as both teams were calm in their approach and not being adventurous. The host had dominated possession and created majority of chances in the first half. Lajong meanwhile were unable to get a foot forward and threaten the Aizawl defence. A. Kromah eventually gave the lead to the host in the 40th minute after converting from the penalty spot. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Aizawl FC.
Lajong were desperate to bounce back in the second half and tried to create some attacking plays but were thwarted each time. A few miss passes did not help the youngsters who found it hard to have any rhythm of attack.
Donboklang Lyndoh and Freestar Kharbangar were brought in to replace Phrangki and Sheen respectively in the second half. Aizawl meanwhile capitalised on their chances and doubled the lead for the host in the 81st minute through Lalkhawpuimawia.
The pressure kept mounting for Lajong and A. Kromah added further damage as he scored his second goal of the match in the 83rd minute. Aizawl were already leading by 3-0 at this point of time but they didn’t stop there and I. Vanlalruatfela scored in the 89th minute for the team from Mizoram.
Lajong, however, managed to score a consolation goal in the 90+3 minutes of the match when Mahesh Singh lobbed the ball towards teenager Donboklang Lyndoh who made a run towards goal and beat the keeper with a low shot towards the corner of the goal.
The match ended 4-1 in favour of Aizawl FC. With this loss, Lajong will end the season at the bottom of the table. However there is still one match to go as the Reds will face Mohun Bagan in the final match of the season on 8th March, 5pm at the JN Stadium, Shillong.
