By Shillong Lajong Media
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC will take center stage in the Finals of the Shillong Premier League for the second consecutive year and defend the title against Local Rivals Royal Wahingdoh FC at the JN Stadium Shillong on Saturday at 1:30 pm.
Lajong emerged victorious in the First Semi-Final Match after beating Rangdajied United FC 2-0 to advance to the Finals.
Shillong Lajong FC lifted the SPL Championship trophy last year after fielding the youngest team in the league and in the same fashion, made their intentions loud and clear right from the start, that they will do “what it takes” to defend the title this year. Well, the job of winning the League is yet to be done, but so far, have proved their worth of being title contenders again this year and ruled the top place of the League Standings till the end of 14 games with 30 points.
Just a small recap – At the start of the “Season 2015 for the Reds” – Lajong won the Shillong Premier League U-19 in July.
Their journey of the SPL 2015 kicked off on a good note. They played the first match against Rangdajied United FC and won by a scoreline of 3-0.
In all, the team won 9 matches, lost twice and drew three times in the League, with a goal difference of 18 and scored total of 30 goals – which is the highest from the rest!
Samuel Lalmuanpuia scored Lajong’s first goal in the Shillong Premier League (SLFC vs RUFC). The striker from Mizoram displayed top notch performances at the front for his team and was the first player in the Shillong Premier League to score a hat trick this season, and he did it style – earning two hat tricks to his name. The first one being from Lajong’s 5-1 win against Laitumkhrah SC and second hat trick was from Lajong’s 6-2 win over Shillong United.
But the highest goal scorer thus far in the SPL is a Lajong lad from the Academy; Lalrammuana. He netted a hat trick in Lajong’s 3-1 win over Malki Sports Club. His total goal record for this season of the SPL is 11, and leads his own team mate (Samuel) just by one goal.
Shillong Lajong custodian Vishal Kaith who has been in scintillating form in front of goal, conceded just 6 goals throughout this season thus far.
Redeem Tlang, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Ksankupar Khongmalai, Jacob Lalrawngbawla, Sheen Stevenson Sohktung, Rupert Nongrum and Bipin Singh netted for Lajong this season and it was the whole team that contributed in Lajong’s road to the Grand Finale.
A total of 30 goals was scored by Lajong while Royal Wahingdoh scored 23 goals (upto semis) in the Shillong Premier League 2015. The later advanced to the finals after beating Rangdajied United 2-0 in the third semi-final match.
The Reds were the only team in the League this year to score the highest number of goal in a match. They hit a SIX against Shillong United.
Head Coach Thangboi Singto believes that his boys are ready to overcome the final challenge. He said, “Wahingdoh reached the finals after performing really well. So our boys need to take it as a new game and play according to plan like the previous matches.”
“If we play and maintain our level of performance we should do well tomorrow”, he said.
The junior team continues to shine on with more future prospects for young talent to gain promotion to the senior team as the Club believes in giving their home grown lads the opportunity to play in the National League of India;The ILeague.
The Grand Finale on Saturday is expected to be a tough contest between both sides and a thrilling encounter would be expected from the two rival teams who never fail to produce good game of football.
