Lajong beat HAL Bangalore 1-0; Sporting rally to beat Pune 4-2
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Eugeneson Lyngdoh struck in the 39th minute to secure a much needed win for Lajong in a Round 18 I-League match against HAL at the Bangalore Football Stadium in Bangalore on Wednesday.
This is Lajong’s first win from six matches and takes the team to 21 points from 18 matches while HAL’s miserable run in the tourney continues as they languish at the bottom of the table with six points from 18 outings.
“Happy with the way the boys played, especially in the first half,” Lajong coach Pradhyum Reddy told The Shillong Times.
The Reds were cheered by a sizeable number of fans who turned out for the tie.
“It was delighting to see the number of fans who came to boost us. It was almost like playing somewhere in the region (North East) and we are thankful to them for their continued support,” the Lajong coach said.
The team from Shillong dominated the proceedings from the word go and it could have been 3-0 for Lajong if not for a couple of missed chances.
“Eugene converted in what could be termed as a tougher chance,” Reddy said.
The Lajong camp though was concerned about Sporting clube de Goa’s 4-2 win against Pune FC.
“As a team our aim right now is to catch up with Sporting and Air India. We cannot control their performances but we can discipline ours,” Reddy said of his side’s future strategy.
Meanwhile, 11th palced Mumbai FC went down 0-2 to Dempo to trail Lajong by seven points.
PTI adds from Margao
Sporting Clube de Goa extended their unbeaten run in the second leg of I-League as they came from behind to score a 4-2 win over Pune FC here.
Early strike by Keita Mandjou (7th, 21st) helped Pune FC take lead but Kalu Ogba scored a brace to level the score at the Nehru Stadium.
Sporting looked more resourceful in the second half as James Moga (82nd) and Dawson Fernandes (injury time) scored to complete a comprehensive win. With this victory, Sporting has taken its tally to 27 points from 18 matches.
Pune FC, who lost their first match in the second leg, remained on 28 points from 18 matches.
Earlier, with two of their main defenders not playing due to suspension, Sporting’s fear of conceding early goal came true in the 7th minute. Douhou Pierre essayed a shot which the rival keeper blocked. The rebound came to Mandjou on top of the box and he found the net.
Pune FC increased the lead in the 21st minute again through Mandjou. But the visitors, who started well, lost momentum after scoring two goals.