SHILLONG: All three of the Shillong-based clubs that are participating in this year’s I-League 2nd Division won their respective matches on Thursday, which continues increase their chances of making it to the second round.
Royal Wahingdoh FC beat Bhawanipore 3-0 in their Group B match, held in Indore, while Langsning FC overcame Samaleshwari SC in Singrauli by one goal to nil to continue their run at the top of Group A.
Rangdajied United, also in Group A, defeated KGF Academy 3-1 and are third in the table, behind DSK Shivajains by one point.
Langsning will face Shivajains on Saturday and a win against them would also help Rangdajied, who play Delhi United on the same day.
Playing under pressure in a must-win match, Royal Wahingdoh’s duo of Puia and Seityasen did not fail to deliver as they scored three crucial goals to see their side to another comprehensive victory over Bhawanipore.
The win moved the Royals up to second place behind Mohammedan Sporting and in contention for a final round berth provided they win their next match against Josco FC and hope that Bhawanipore lose at least one of their next two matches against Josco and Mohammedan.
The Royals will look to make the best use of their three-day break before they take on Josco on Monday.
Earlier, an early goal by Seitya 16 minutes into play laid the foundation for what was to be a solid win for the Royals.
Playing the ball along the right flank, the midfielder penetrated deep before sending a powerful left-footer past the keeper.
In the 36th minute, in-form striker Puia joined in on the action and produced a well-timed header before finding the net.
The buildup for the second goal started with the experienced Jacki finding an opening for a cross after which Puia comfortably headed in for a second goal.
Wahingdoh keeper Kunzang had yet another impressive day, preventing Bhawanipore from scoring with a number of saves.
Wahingdoh’s defence also held a tight line, denying their opponents any chance of a clear-cut entry.
The 72nd minute saw the Royals secure their third goal after another pass by Bekay to Seitya, who was heading up the right flank.
Seitya found his way into the box for a second time and took a right-footed shot that saw the ball deflect off the post and into goal.
Other North East teams did not have a good day, with Aizawl FC losing to Mohammedan 0-1, while Luangmual were drubbed 0-8 by Kalighat MS.
Shivajains defeated Kohima Komets 5-0 and Green Valley (Assam) lost to Techno Aryan 1-2.