By Royal Wahingdoh Media

SHILLONG: Royal Wahingdoh FC played out a goalless draw in an exciting Zonal Round U-18 I-League encounter at the JN Stadium in Shillong on Thursday morning.

In an almost evenly contested tie the Royals had their share of chances in both halves but failed to convert on each occasion. The scenario was not much different for Lajong, who despite being dominated in the first half, did create openings in the second to put a bit of pressure on the RWFC lads.

Despite the draw RWFC are on the top of the table in the Shilong-Guwahati zone by dint of a better goal difference ratio. RWFC are on top with 4 points while Lajong stand second with equal number of points, SAI is third while Guwahati FC and Rangdajied United are at 4^th and 5^th positions respectively.

Earlier the match started on an even note with both teams sharing almost equal possession. What followed after the 10^th minute was a bit of a see saw contest with both sides raiding each other’s den at regular intervals. However, it was from here that the hosts (RWFC) slowly began to take control of the game leaving the defending job to be done by the Reds.  In the 23^rd minute an unmarked Suraj Rawat made a good run from the right with barely anyone upfront to halt his march. The RWFC No. 10, however, was unable to control the ball and squandered possession at a dangerous position on the edge of the box on the right to give up the advantage.

The first real chance of the game, however, came RWFC’s way just a minute before the half hour mark with Rawat in the thick of action again. Following a counter attack, Rawat was spotted at the front. His scorcher of a shot from just inside the box missed the top of the woodwork by a whisker much to the dismay of the Royal fans.

The first half, thereafter, ended with the scores at 0-0.

Crossing over, RWFC looked to carry over the first half momentum and their efforts looked like yielding results. However, the Royals squandered their best chance of the tie in the 55^th minute when Ronalkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait, who was beautifully fed at the front, tapped the ball just wide of the far right of the nets from a great position inside the box.

Ten minutes later Heibormi Talang had a chance to pierce the nets. However, a diving save by the rival custodian denied Talang’s right footer.

Post the 70^th minute, Lajong began to make a few inroads but were thwarted by the RWFC backliners. Lajong had their share of chances towards the fag end of the game but were unable to make that elusive breakthrough as the tie ended in a goalless draw.

RWFC will next play Guwahati FC on November 14.