Reddy happy with match result, praises goalkeeper Ralte
KOLKATA: Shillong Lajong FC came good after conceding goal to force 1-1 draw on Prayag United SC and snatched a valuable point at the 11th round I-League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Wednesday.
Local outfit Prayag United broke wall with Josimar da Silva Martins’ 28th minute right footer, which was leveled by Lyiwobe Chiboza, also known as Christopher, eight minutes later.
The visitors, who were handed half-a-dozen goal in the previous game by leaders Churchill Brothers, however, withstood a barrage of attacks in the final minutes to maintain parity in the game, thanks to brilliant savings from L Ralte.
Sanjay Sen’s boys, who took the field after a surprised 1-2 defeat of Chirag United Kerala in the away match, failed to hold home advantage due to poor shooting ability on target.
Joshimar should be blamed for conceding points in the crucial tie as the Brazilian failed to convert a rosy chance with only goalkeeper to beat in the final minute.
Before missing to convert a right cross from Yusif Yukubu due to onrushing of L Ralte, Joshimar’s weak shots on goal were not enough to beat the custodian.
Joshimar’s goal in the first half was quite amusing for few local fans as Denson Devdasa snatched the ball from one of Lajong defenders and essayed it towards the scorer.
But the fun of the lead for Sanjay Sen evaporated quickly when unmarked Christopher’s sudden angular shot beat Prayag keeper Abhijit Mondal.
With 1-1 draw Prayag United were now at 5th place with 18 points and Shillong Lajong in the 9th place with 13 points.
Our Reporter adds: Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy appeared happy with the outcome of Wednesday’s match.
“Boys did well to secure a point in an away game. Though we made some mistakes, we were lucky to get away with them,” Reddy told The Shillong Times after the match.
Praising the goalkeeper, Reddy said, “At least on four occasions Ralte made brilliant saves”.
The Lajong coach, however, was not happy with his forwards who, “squandered ball possession too easily.”