By I-League Media

SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong snatched a point from the jaws of defeat with Brazilian Uilliams Souza Silva striking a last minute goal to restore parity in the high voltage Hero I-League clash against table toppers Mohun Bagan at the JN Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Behind by two goals to one, the hosts looked down and out. However, just seconds before the blow of the final whistle, Uilliams gloriously headed one home to ensure Lajong take a precious point from the game.

Earlier in the match, defending champions Mohun Bagan seemed to be running way with the game after Katsumi scored in the 77th minute, putting them into the driver’s seat. But Uilliams cancelled the goal after receiving a long ball inside the box much to the delight of Coach Thangboi Singto and the home fans.

Though the visitors drew first blood through Jeje Lalpekhlua in the 18th minute, Uilliams struck back in style in the 40th minute to get the hosts back in contention as the sides went into the break with the score levelled at 1-1.
The Reds, who desperately needed something from the match to stay out of the insecure zone in the standings, started the second half brilliantly leaving the visitors a lot to ponder about.

However, a sudden goal by Katsumi, almost against the run of play, stung Lajong hard. But the game was far from over. It was the unstoppable Uilliams whose finesse finally gave the breather to his side so desperate for a point.
Earlier, in the first half, Lajong were denied a golden chance in the 13th minute when a defensive error by Kinshuk Debnath gave Uilliams the opening. With the rival custodian out of position, the Brazilian targeted the wide angle but Kingshuk made a miraculous clearance to save Bagan the blushes.

Five minutes later, Jeje Lalpekhlua struck to give the Mariners a lead. A ball put forward by Pritam Kotal landed up with Jeje who buried it into the nets with consummate ease.

The hosts then struck back with a perfectly taken free kick by Uilliams Silva from just outside the box after a foul by Pritam Kotal. Uilliams went up and down the wall to go past Debjit Mazumdar with ease. It could have been 2-1 in favour of the hosts when Uilliams took his second free-kick in the first half from the same spot but fortunately for the Mariners the ball hit the right post.

Crossing over, Lajong continued in their attacking ways putting Bagan in the back foot right from the word go. The visitors were also guilty of dropping shoulders midway into the second half until that special Katsumi goal raised their spirits. But just when everybody waited for the inevitable, Uilliams struck gold in the last minute of the stoppage time to ensure that the Reds go home with a point.