SHILLONG: Imson handed Shillong United their second defeat in as many matches after Patrick Nongsiang scored a late goal in a First Division football game, played at Polo Grounds on Tuesday, to seal the contest 1-0 in his team’s favour.
Imson could have won by two goals to nil but for a missed penalty by Balashemphang Khongsit in the second half.
Balashemphang was awarded the penalty by referee C Syiemiong just minutes after the start of the second period, but the former’s shot was saved valiantly by Shillong United’s keeper Kennio.
United then had an opportunity to take the lead in the 73rd minute when their defender Thmu-Bait-i-Dhar sent a powerful long range shot that hit the crossbar.
The ball then went into the back of the net, but was disallowed for offside.
Kennio earned further praise in defence of the United goal after preventing Imson’s Morningstar Shylla from scoring in the 81st minute in a one-on-one situation, with the forward unable to get past the goalkeeper.
Patrick then broke the spell seconds later, compensating for his team mate’s unsuccessful effort.
He caught Kennio off guard before lobbing the ball perfectly into the net to secure the lead, which turned out to be just enough for his team to claim victory in the match.
Second Division
Meanwhile, in a Second Division match at Ground III, Polo Grounds, Nongthymmai handed Krang SC a massive 7-1 thrashing.
Jefferson scored four goals for the winners, in the 19th, 28th, 35th and 44th minutes.
Earlier, however, it was Iarborlang Kshiar who opened the scoring in the 13th minute.
He then added his second after Jefferson’s blitz, in the 50th minute, finishing the match with a brace.
Not quite content with the score, Mebanshan Suting chipped in with an additional goal in the 63rd minute.
For Krang, Pyntngen Rymbai scored in the 38th minute.