 By Our Reporter
 SHILLONG: MLP FT were made to fight hard for a win after some stiff competition put up by Lawmali Pyllun SC on Wednesday at the JN Stadium here.
Despite an early lead, MLP FT made the mistake of offering Lawmali a penalty in each half.
The first lead came only in the 10th minute for MLP when Lammi Passah converted a short pass from Niwan-O-Gatphoh inside the box. A hat-trick was also scored by Lawmali’s Lansing Kharumnuid.
However, a penalty was offered to Lawmali in the 23rd minute. Lansing took the shot, making no mistake and, as a result, broke the lead. With a 1-1 score line at half time, the game appeared to be well-balanced, although MLP dominated in terms of possession.
Another stern decision was made by the referee B Khongjirem in the 62nd minute and a penalty was offered to MLP after a player was brought down in the box.
Niwan-O-Gatphoh took the kick and beat the keeper. A minute later, MLP’s Plassing made a quick pass to Niwan, who took a point blank shot, giving his side a solid lead. Lawmali were made to pay for failing to convert their chances.
Then, in the 81st minute, MLP substitute Shanverius Mawlong produced a calculated lob that saw the ball jump over the keeper and into the goal.
With things looking grim for Lawmali, a miracle was the only change that could have saved them and thanks to a dramatic twist in the last few minutes that almost happened.
Two goals were scored in a span of three minutes, which stopped the match from being a complete embarrassment for Lawmali.
A second penalty came in the 85th minute. Langsning took it and then earned his hat-trick two minutes later through another goal. That still left his team one goal short for at least a draw.
