SHILLONG: Royal Wahingdoh assured themselves of a place in the semifinals of the U-14 Football Tournament 2013 when they beat Nongkseh SC in the first match on Thursday by a 2-0 margin.
This win for the Royals was not easy as Nongkseh did not allow their opponents to dictate terms.
When it looked like a drawn encounter was likely Wahingdoh’s Pynbhalang Suting scored from close range in the 53rd minute. Carrying their momentum forward, Wahingdoh fired in another two minutes later via Melvin Marbaniang.
The second match of the day, between Ryntih and Smit was also a contesting one. It was Smit who took an early lead in the sixth minute through Armystar Shadap.
With little time remaining in the first half, Ryntih equalised though Batskhem Dkhar in the 28th minute.
The second session saw both teams work hard to take the lead but the the game ended with a 1-1 draw.
Immediately following the draw, Wanshanbor Kurbah shone brightly in Marbisu’s 3-0 win over Malki, having scored all three goals for his team.
Marbisu put pressure from the word go and scored in the very first minute through Wanshanbor.
This goal came as setback to Malki, who left no stone unturned to restore parity but to no avail.
Wanshanbor then scored again in the dying seconds of the first half and completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute to earn full points for his team.
The last match of the day saw Risa Colony take the lead in the seventh minute via a goal from Wallambha Mawlong.
This goal did not deter the young Mawkhar lads who fought bravely and did not let in any further goals until the end of the match.
Ainam G Jyrwa, was a player of note for Mawkhar. Although the youngest and smallest of the 22 on the field, he displayed ball control and short passing much to the applause of the spectators.
Friday’s matches: Pynthorbah vs Mylliem (12:45pm) and Shillong Lajong vs Pohkseh (2:15pm)