By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Royal Wahingdoh FC edged past Nangkiew Irat SC 2-1 despite some late jolts during an SPL match at the JNSC on Monday.
Starting off strongly, the Royals were forced to play on the backfoot after Nangkiew began its counterattack in the latter stages of the game. Wahingdoh opened its account in the 5th minute with Lalchawnkima delivering a shot past the keeper. Sena almost scored Royals’ second goal in the 8th minute after he dribbled past the Nangkiew defence and took a shot that was a few feet wide. In the 23rd minute, Nangkiew striker Ezeani could have helped his side level the scores after taking a fierce shot that flew straight into RWFC goalie, Kunzang’s hands. The shot which was taken a fraction of a second late failed to miss the keeper. The unsuccessful attempt cost them and in the 42nd minute as Chencho headed in a beautiful cross from Sena from the left flank to take Wahingdoh 2-0 ahead in the half-time.
But the second half saw a rejuvenated Nangkiew come back hard, building up a few chances to score. A goal was finally in the offing in the 52nd minute after the referee awarded them a penalty that was converted by Benjamin. Nangkiew, however, were unable to make any further changes to the score card and eventually, Royal claimed a narrow victory.