By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Police Football Team (MLP FT) held favourites Shillong Lajong FC 1-1 in a league match of the SPL at JN Stadium here on Thursday.
In what was the first outing for Lajong, MLP FT did well in the initial stages of the match, as the policemen dominated ball possession creating some near chances in the process.
MLP had its first chance to take the lead in the 11th minute after Plassing Myrthong received a cross that saw the ball land inches away from the goalkeeper. However, he was unable to convert the opportunity and missed the nets by a whisker.
In the 30th minute, MLP finally paid the price for not making the best use of their chances when Th. Bipin Singh of Lajong produced a soft but well-timed header that saw him guide the ball gently past MLP’s custodian Allyn Patwet, as the Reds broke the deadlock.
Shillong Lajong’s lead was, however, short-lived as MLP striker Niwan-o-Gatphoh produced a brilliant goal to equalise a minute before half time. Niwan took a free kick 30 yards away from the goal and launched the ball above the wall and right into the net.
Crossing over, both teams failed create multiple chances as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately for fans of either side, the second half did not witness a change in the score line and the match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw.