SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong made the most of their comeback to the Shillong Premiere League with a scintillating 3-0 victory over local rivals Langsning on Saturday with rising start Rupert Nongrum scoring twice in the first half.
Rupert’s first goal came in the 15th minute after he tapped in a rebound coming off Langsning’s keeper Maitshaphrang.
Four minutes later, Shillong Lajong were awarded a penalty following a foul inside the box. Rupert got the better of Maitshaphrang for the second time in the match with a placement to the goalkeeper’s right.
The Reds could have made it 3-0 in the 29th minute, but forward Th. Bipin Singh was unable to convert a cross from the far right by Jacob Lalrwangbawla. Langsning’s Victor Shadap missed out on two scoring opportunities in the 34th and 37th minutes, allowing Shillong Lajong to walk into half time with a solid two-goal lead.
On the other hand, Langsning’s lacklustre performance was consolidated only by Victor Shadap and Chesterfield Nongdhar’s efforts, both challenging Lajong’s defence on a number of occasions. Lajong’s final goal came in the 67th minute with midfielder Jacob Lalrwangbawla producing a clean strike to find the back of the nets, allowing the Reds a decisive three-goal advantage which subsequently saw them snatch the title.
Shillong Lajong were awarded a 2 lakh rupee winning cash prize while Langsning earned 1 lakh as runners-up of the Imperial Blue Shillong Premiere League 2014.