SHILLONG: The organisers of the Shillong Premier League received a jolt on Tuesday after they were forced to postpone the league after just one game.
Although the first match between Rangdajied United FC and Meghalaya Police Football Team went ahead on Tuesday, the second game, set to be played under floodlights between Royal Wahingdoh FC and Malki SC, was called off after the Deputy Commissioner denied permission for evening matches.
Games during the day also became a non-option after the State Sports Council made it known that it needs to fix up the JN Stadium, the venue for the SPL.
Meanwhile, Rangdajied defeated MLP 3-0, following Man-of-the-Match Sandesh Gadkari’s brace.
Despite the scoreline, it was not the best performance from the newly-promoted I-League outfit, who need to use this opportunity to prepare for their debut in the national league.
Gadkari’s first goal came in the 32nd minute after placing the ball neatly past keeper Rickseng Sangma, who was kept busy throughout the game.
Gadkari’s second followed after he headed a cross into the net in the 58th minute to give Rangdajied a two-nil lead.
MLP failed to make the most of their chances despite penetrating their way into the box on a number of occasions.
In the 78th minute, Bansharai Sun found an opening in the MLP defence before he darted down the pitch to send a well-timed right-footer into the corner of the net to seal the fate of the match.
Earlier, Rangdajied United were felicitated by the SSA for their promotion to the I-League and were presented a memento.