By Royal Wahingdoh Media
SHILLONG: A dominating Royal Wahingdoh FC had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Nangkiew Irat in a second leg Shillong Premier League match at the JN Stadium Shillong on Thursday.
The Royals started on an aggressive note getting the breakthrough in the 24th minute courtesy a Bekay Bawar goal. The rivals, however, came back strong riding on a brace from Stephen Harry to end the first half with the scores at 2-1. RWFC made amends crossing over leveling scores at the hour mark through a Sushil Meitei goal and could have added a goal or two more if not for a good show by the rival custodian.
Earlier, RWFC had the first real chance of the game coming its way in the 17th minute when Sushil tapped one on the right to Malsawtluanga (Mala) who lofted it brilliantly over to Nabachandra Singh advancing towards the box. Nabachandra’s firm shot went just wide on the right even as the goalie was out of position.
However, the Royals broke the deadlock a few minutes later when Bekay Bawar glided one skillfully to the nets. A through ball by Bowari Khongstia found Bekay upfront. With only a back liner and the rival custodian to beat, Bekay finished with ease tapping to the ball to the far left corner of the nets.
At a time when the hosts sat comfortable on their one-goal lead, Nangkiew struck back twice within a span of ten minutes (29’ and 39’) to turn the game on its head. It was Stephen Harry who struck gold for the rivals on both occasions, first sailing in a low header from close range and following it up with a soft tap guiding the ball to the unguarded goal left open due to a defensive lapse.
Determined to make comeback, the Royals were agile from the beginning of the second half. Their efforts paid off at the stroke of the hour when Sushil sailed in a lofted shot to restore parity. The hosts almost converted again a minute later but a brilliant diving save by the rival custodian denied a scorcher of a shot from Nabachandra struck from the edge of the box on the left.
The Nangkiew Irat goalie pulled off another good save in the 86th minute blocking a Bekay free kick taken from the edge of the box on the left.
Though the Royals continued to attack thereafter the scores remained 2-2 at the blow of the long whistle.
RWFC will next take on Shillong United on Monday.
