Shillong, Feb 14: East Bengal FC defeated Shillong Lajong by a 5-0 margin today in the Hero I-League encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
The hosts of today’s game, East Bengal FC were dominant right from the start of the match while for the young Lajong side it was overall a very difficult game and were not able to find clear cut chances in front of the net.
In the first half as many as four goals were scored by East Bengal. The first goal was scored by Laldanmawia Ralte through a header in the 8th minute from Lalrindika’s corner. The second came in the 27th minute and it was Laldanmawia again netting from a long ball that was fed by Borja Gómez Pérez. Just a minute later, Jobby Justin registered his name on the score sheet and took East Bengal’s lead to 3-0 after heading the ball into the back of the net. Then in the 45th minute, Enrique Esqueda with a scissors kick makes it 4-0 after an assist by Lalrindika Ralte.
After the break, East Bengal started from where they left and continued to dominate the game. Laldanmawia Ralte completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute and enhanced their advantage even more.
It was very tough for Shillong Lajong to get back into the game despite making three substitutions with the aim to bring energy back and also strengthen the attack. Coach Alison brought on Kynsai in place of Rakesh in the 46th minute, Sheen for Phrangki in the 60th minute and Donboklang Lyngdoh who also made his I-League debut today came in place of Lalrohlua in the 68th minute. But in the end, it was East Bengal who emerged victorious and they have jumped to third in the I-League table with 31 points.
Meanwhile, Shillong Lajong will return home and play their next match against Chennai City FC on 18th February at 5pm in Shillong.
