By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC were again held to a goalless draw by Air India in a Round 14 I-League match at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Saturday.
In a poorly officiated encounter, Lajong received two major blows for its next home match against Churchil Brothers as two of its midfielders John Menyongar and Lalramluaha were given yellow cards and hence would miss out on the crucial tie in Shillong. Menyongar infact was shown the yellow card in the last minute of the match and in coach Prsdyum Reddy’s words, ” it was a ridiculous decision”. Lajong were also denied a penalty in the 78th minute.
Reddy’s boys did not have an impressive first half but crossing over the team did well to keep the Air India goalkeeper on his toes. Infact Lajong missed more than a couple of chances to take the lead towards the end of the second half.
The match was a repeat of the 0-0 draw both teams played during Lajong’s home tie against Air India at Imphal in November.
“Disappointed that despite being the better team the match ended in a draw for us,” Reddy said.
“It was a fair result though given our not so tidy performance in the first half,” he added.
After Saturday’s draw, Lajong now have 17 points from 14 matches while Air India are at 20 points.
PTI adds from Pune
Pune FC hold East Bengal
India international Jeje Lalpekhlua of Pune FC and East Bengal’s Aussie recruit Toglay Ozbey missed chances as the 14th round I-League encounter ended in a draw in Pune on Saturday.
Both Pune FC and East Bengal created chances galore, but the respective defence worked full time and though some gaps were left, goalkeepers chipped in with their saves.
For Pune FC, Abhra Mondal was the real savior who blocked several chances and took some blows on his body from the East Bengal, the team that loaned him out to Pune FC.
By gaining one point from this tie, Pune FC stayed put on No 5 position, one point ahead of Prayag United SC, which had moved up earlier in the day on goal difference.
East Bengal will move up to No 2 position ahead of Churchill Brothers, who are set to play Mohun Bagan tomorrow.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was adjudged man-of-the-match.
PTI adds from Margao
Dempo edge past Chirag
Two first-half goals helped Dempo SC to open their I-League second phase campaign on a winning note, as they edge past Chirag United Kerala 2-1 in a 14th round match and stay at the top of the table, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda here.Goals from Clifford Miranda (4th) and Ranty Martins (25th) helped Dempo stay at the top with 30 points from 14 matches.
Chirag, who reduced the margin through Vineeth in the 28th minute, remained on 12th position with 11 points from 14 matches.
Unlike their last game, in which Dempo played a lethargic game to lose against Prayag United, the home side started brightly on Saturday, as they showed a lot of urgency in their attack and created handful of chances.