By Shillong Lajong Media

SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC displayed a powerful performance to earn a deserving victory over Laitumkhrah Sports Club by a scoreline of 5-1 in the second leg of the Shillong Premier League Encounter at the JN Stadium Shillong.

The Youngsters of Lajong who were brimming with confidence started off the match very brightly with an early goal courtesy Nim Dorjee Tamang in the 2nd minute of the match.  Lajong were awarded a free kick outside the box and Bipin Singh aimed it at Tamang who found a lot of space in front of the keeper to shoot it right past giving the Reds an early lead.

Lajong kept increasing their momentum forward and could have scored couple of goals easily if not for the keeper. The Reds scored their second goal of the match in the 17th minute through Samuel Lalmuanpuia after receiving a cross from Bipin on the left. Chances were falling in plenty for Lajong who were dominating throughout the first half. The first half ended with just two goals scored in favour of Lajong.

The second half started off very well with both teams showing a lot of energy on the pitch. Laitumkhrah showed more intent going up front and troubling the Lajong defence. Nevertheless, Lajong were still creating chances of their own forward and looking to kill the game with couple more goals. Samuel scored the third goal for Lajong in the 64th minute after finding himself one on one with the keeper and made no mistake in putting it past the keeper.

Laitumkhrah managed to get one goal back in the 67th minute via Owelesho after his shot was deflected and Lajong’s Vishal Kaith was beaten.

The game opened up with both teams playing end to end. Samuel earned a penalty after being brought down by a defender. He converted it in the 70th minute thereby earning a hat trick in the match. This is also the first hat trick in the Shillong Premier League this year. Laitumkhrah worked hard to get back but Lajong were composed and did not make too many mistakes. The Reds scored the fifth goal of the match through Sheen Sohkhtung after he lobbed the ball past the oncoming keeper.

The match ended 5-1 in favour of Shillong Lajong who still remain at the top of the table with 20 points from 9 matches. The Reds will play their next match on 16th October against Royal Wahingdoh FC