By Shillong Lajong Media

SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC emerged victorious against Nangkiew Irat Sports Club with a scoreline of 2-1 in a Shillong Premier League Encounter at the JN Stadium on Saturday.

Lalrammuana scored a brace for Lajong in the 37th and 70 minute while B. Nongkhlaw scored the only for Nangkiew Irat in the 45^th minute of the match.

In the encounter, first choice Lajong keeper Vishal Kaith who had maintained a clean sheet in the past 4 matches was not in the squad as he has to appear for his exams.

The match kicked off well for Nangkiew Irat as they enjoyed most of the possession in Lajong’s half. In the 6^th minute, Lajong on the counter, could have scored an early goal after a through ball from Rupert to Bipin led to the latter dribbling past one defender from the right but his eventual show narrowly missed far post. Minutes later, it was Nangkiew who could have taken the lead when their corner met the header of their tall and lanky striker but it went just inches wide off the second post.

As the match progressed, both teams were sharing equal possession but not creating a good enough chance for a goal. Then in the 37^th minute, Lalrammuana received the ball from the left and took it forward to take a shot with his left which beat the keeper and thus gave his side the lead. Nangkiew were quick to level the score in extra time of the first half when a corner could not be dealt well by the Lajong defenders.

With the score One all in the first half, the second half started off brightly as both teams looked determined to take the lead. However, chances were not converted and both teams struggled to maintain possession. Nangkiew Irat were looking dangerous in front and the Lajong defenders were nervy at times. The Reds were also finding it difficult to trouble their opponents in front.

Lajong eventually regained the lead in the 70^th minute when Rupert found himself one on one with the keeper but unselfishly passed the ball to oncoming Lalramuana for an easy tap in. Nangkiew kept pressing forward and threatened to level the score again, but Lajong defended brilliantly and fought until the end to win the game.

The match ended 2-1 in favour of Lajong who now have 13 points from 5 games and will play their next match against Malki Sports Club on the 26^th of September at 3:15 pm.