Shillong,Nov 02: The Langsning FC were crowned champions of the Shillong Premier League Super Division today after defeating Shillong Lajong, 1-0 in the finals held at the SSA Stadium in Polo Ground.
Shillong Lajong settles for the runners-up prize after losing out in today’s SPL grand finale after being at the top of the table in the league stage.
Langsning started the finals today all guns blazing and shared the majority of the possession in the match today. They took the lead in the 16th minute of the game when Kitbok Pale scored from a free kick.
They could have doubled the lead in the 39th minute, but the shot by the Langsning forward hit the woodwork. It wasn’t the best pitch to play a final and both teams struggled to play free flowing football.
The Lajong youngsters tried to get back into the game in the second half of the match. In the 50th minute, Donboklang’s shot which was on target went straight to the keeper, Frolicson Dkhar’s arms.
In the 58th minute, the referee spotted a foul about 25 yards out and gave Langsning the free kick but nothing much could come of it. Three minutes later, a Langsning player shot on target but Lajong goalkeeper, Phurba Lachenpa stopped the shot.
Later on, Langsning came very close to double their lead again but Phurba Lachenpa who was awarded the SPL Best Goalkeeper Award today prevented those shots from going inside the net.
In the 73rd minute, Lajong’s Sheen Sohktung almost levelled the scoreline but the forward’s header went over the crossbar.
In the end, the referee blew the final whistle and handed Langsning the win and the Shillong Premier League title.
The Lajong youngsters put up a brave performance today and will look forward to the next year’s edition of the SPL as now the focus shifts to the ongoing Hero I-league season.
