By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Niwan-O-Gatphoh’s two impressive goals guided Meghalaya Police Football Team (MLPFT) to a memorable 4-1 victory over their counterparts in the Assam police in an exhibition match to commemorate 150 years of the Indian Police, which was played at JN Stadium, Polo, here on Thursday.
The beginning of the match was a rather dull affair with both teams failing to impress much.
The pace of the match picked up in the latter part of the first half after Meghalaya police drew first blood in the 36th minute after Marshall Kurkalang made no mistake to score, following a great through ball from Niwan.
However their joy was short-lived when a minute later the visitors equalised through the boot of Sarbananda Sonawal.
The first half ended 1-1.
MLP were the more dominant side in the second half as they continually attacked the opposition through some fine moves.
Their hard work paid off after Niwan lofted the ball over the Assam goalkeeper and into the net before the hour mark.
Increased confidence on the part of the home team led to another goal by Lammi Passah in the 69th minute.
Niwan, a former Shillong Lajong player, sealed the fate of Assam Police by finding the net with a right-footer 10 minutes before regulation time.
Assam will now host MLP in the second leg on October 27 in Guwahati at the JN Stadium at 2:30pm.
