Shillong 09 April: The Shillong Lajong FC got the revenge they were looking for as they beat DSK Shivaians in their backyard by three goals to two on Saturday night at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune.
Isaac Vanmalsawma scored Lajong’s first goal tonight in the 14th minute. Samuela Lamuanpuia scored the second goal in the 52nd minute while Redeem Tlang netted the winner in the 93rd minute. All the goals today for Shillong Lajong FC were contributed by their Under-22 players.
The host began the match with a lot of confidence and were making plenty of good moves up front. DSK were controlling majority of possession but it was the visiting side who were more determined and were very clinical with their finishing display tonight to earn all three points.
Even though DSK started the game better than the visitors, in the 14th minute of the match, youngster, Isaac Vanmalsawma gave Shillong Lajong the lead after an assist from another youngster promoted from the Academy, Bipin Singh. This goal gave the side a great boost and were combining much better with each other from then on. Isaac’s goal tonight marked Shillong Lajong’s 175th I-League goal.
It was then Samuel Lalmuanpuia’s turn to register his name on the score sheet. The youngster fashioned a great style of play and made no mistake to beat the veteran goalkeeper Subrata Paul. A corner taken by Isaac was met by Redeem, who headed the ball towards goal, which was met by Samuela, who made a quick turn inside the box and took the shot via his right foot to give his side a 2 goal lead in the 52nd minute.
As the game wore on, DSK were evidently creating more chances and were combining with each other pretty well. A goal somehow wasn’t a surprise in their favour as they looked extremely dangerous in front of goal for the Reds. DSK Coach, made couple of changes in the second half and they finally managed to get past Shillong Lajong goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who was also brilliant in between the sticks for his team.
Milan Singh managed to pull one back for the Shivajians in the 58th minute after receiving a cross from Holicharan Nazary.In the 63rd minute, the host made it 2-2 after their super sub, Pranjal pounced on a cross by Seityasen Singh, that was not dealt with by Vishal and Nim Dorjee for an easy header in front of goal.The game got extremely interesting from then on as the score line was locked at 2-2.
Shillong Lajong who wanted to get back at the Shivajians after they stole the show the last time around, kept on fighting hard until the final whistle. Redeem Tlang, who is another product of the Shillong Lajong Academy who came on as a substitute in place of Rupert Nongrum at the start of the second half, scored the winning goal in the 93+’. The talented youngster headed the ball into the net after meeting a cross from the right by Samuel Shadap.
The victory was certainly sweet for Shillong Lajong FC as they remain in top four of the I-League table with 23 points and their youngsters proved too good tonight for DSK Shivajians. The Reds will now return home and get ready for two big home matches against Mohun Bagan on 12th April and Bengaluru FC on 15th April.
