Shillong October 28: The Shillong Lajong FC defeated Rangdajied United FC 2-1 today in the Gionee Shillong Premier League match at Polo ground Shillong. Today’s match was delayed by about 40 minutes and hence was played only for 60 minutes with 30 minutes in each half.
With this win, Shillong Lajong, the defending champions, finish the league stage of the Gionee SPL at the top of the table with 33 points and will play the semifinals match against Rangdajied United FC who finished second in the league, on 31st October.
Lajong youngsters started the game brightly and took an early lead in the 4th minute of the match when Sheen Sohktung fired the shot with his left foot. In the 10th minute, Malki got their first chance but their player’s attempt on goal went straight to the Lajong custodian, Froclicson Dkhar.
The Reds got another chance on goal in the 22nd minute. Sheen delivered a good cross to Milan who shoots from inside the box but the Malki keeper saved to deny Lajong their second goal. Malki Sports Club leveled the score line when Jessamy Tariang slotted the ball home from inside the box in the 25th minute. After 30 minutes, both teams went into the break with the score at 1-1.
After the break, Lajong regained the lead. Milan Basumatary provided a good cross to find Alen Deory inside the box who then headed the ball into the net in the 34th minute. In the 37th minute, Lajong came very close to score another goal but Milan’s header hit the crossbar.
Thangboi Singto’s boys displayed a good game today and kept on adding pressure on the Malki defence. They got another chance in the 47th minute. Milan made a good run and shoots from inside the box but the alert Malki keeper punched it away and the ball fell on Sheen’s foot who quickly shoots but his shot hit the woodwork.
The referee blew the final whistle and awarded Lajong the three points and have ended the league stage with 33 points from 14 games. The defending champions will now prepare for their semifinals clash against Rangdajied United and will hope to reach the finals stage and lift the trophy for the third consecutive year.
