SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC put up a resilient display but were held to a 2-2 draw by hosts Pune FC in what was a thrilling 21st round of the I-League at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune on Sunday.
In their first match coming back from a long break, Shillong Lajong took an early lead when Edinho Junior opened the account to score his first I-League goal in the 13th minute with a beautiful set-up by Japanese recruit Sho Kamimura.
Pune pushed hard for the equaliser but Lajong, who got the early advantage, looked more confident and a more dominant side than the hosts.
In the 21st minute Pune FC earned a free kick with James Moga taking the shot but was unlucky as it went straight into the arms of SLFC custodian Lalthuanmawia Ralte.
A minute later, a big chance came Lajong’s way, as Boithang Haokip’s cross found Kamimura, who headed the ball that was blocked by Pune defenders.
In the 23rd minute, after some good footwork, Jeje could not direct his shot for the hosts as it went wide.
It was a disappointing half for the home team, who failed to convert their chances with Shillong Lajong going into the break with a one goal cushion.
After the lemon break, Pune started off brightly and their first real opportunity to surge ahead came in the 51st minute when new recruit Karpeh slotted the ball home to restore parity in the game.
But just five minutes later, the Shillong outfit retook the lead when the Pune FC keeper made a mistake and Portuguese striker Edinho Junior took the chance and headed the ball in, to score his second goal in the 56th minute.
Shillong Lajong’s lead was cut short when Karpeh found the back of the net again to score his second goal in the 59th minute.
Lajong also felt that they could have easily scored another two goals, but they were disappointed with the referee’s decision not to award them a penalty in each half.
Both teams were pressing hard and looking for that one big opportunity just before the final whistle, but unfortunately had to settle for one point.
With points being split Pune FC are currently in fifth position with 34 points while Shillong Lajong are in 11th place with 20.
Mohun Bagan pip Pailan Arrows 3-2
In an earlier match Mohun Bagan managed to pulled off a narrow 3-2 win over a resurgent Pailan Arrows in a closely-contested I-League fixture in Kolkata.
The relegation-wary Mohun Bagan took a 3-0 lead in no time with Aibor Khongjee (5th) and Tolgay Ozbey (19th, 20th) striking in tandem.
But the AIFF developmental outfit showed fine character after the early setback and made their way back brilliantly with goals from Shaiju Mon (41st) and Seminlen Doungel (49th) but could not find the equaliser.
With the win, Mohun Bagan remain on course to avoid relegation as they jumped to nine points from 16 matches, three behind the other relegation-threatened side United Sikkim FC, who lost 0-1 to Prayag United in Gangtok on Saturday.
In Sunday’s second match, Dempo’s bid to defend their title went up in smoke as they lost to Sporting Clube de Goa through an own goal by defender Rowlison Rodrigues in Mapusa, Goa.
With this win, Sporting leaped to sixth position with 29 points from 21 matches while Dempo remained in third with 35 points from 20 matches, eight points behind leaders Churchill Brothers.
The leaders drew 1-1 with ONGC in New Delhi on Saturday.
ONGC have not lost a match at their home ground now for nine consecutive games.
In other matches on that day, East Bengal also drew 1-1 with Air India in Kolkata.
A win would have propelled the Airmen over Lajong in the points table.
East Bengal will be bitterly disappointed not to win, as they then would have taken the lead in the points table.
Salgaocar FC (now one place above Lajong) later defeated Mumbai FC 1-0 at home.
Interestingly, no match on Saturday saw more than two goals scored. (with PTI inputs)