Shillong Premier League
SHILLONG: Pohkseh goalkeeper Widenstar Kharsati produced a superb performance on Tuesday to hold Langsning to a goalless draw in their Shillong Premier League match at Polo Grounds.
The newly promoted Pohkseh side looked an improved lot after their first match 1-4 loss to Nangkiew Irat, managing to put pressure on their favoured opponents.
Although still without a win, Pohkseh have now registered a point thanks to this draw, tied with defending champions Royal Wahingdoh.
Langsning move up to four points, tied with Malki.
Langsning went on an all-out assault with Hyojun Wi and Victor Shadap up front, but were unsuccessful in breaking past the resilient Pohkseh defence.
Pohkseh keeper Widenstar, deservingly the Man-of-the-Match, had a splendid day, saving numerous long and close range shots to deny Langsning what could have been a goal-scoring spree.
Former Lawmali Pyllun midfielder Teiborlang Siangshai was the only man who looked effective enough for Langsning, feeding his team’s forward a number of fine deliveries.
Expectations of Langsning were that they would repeat their first match performance against Mawlai, whom they demolished 4-0, but that did not happen.
Pohkseh’s Baristar Rymbai nearly produced a second half stunner that just missed the goal by inches.
The ex-Royal Wahingdoh player powered a bicycle kick from a cross that saw the ball whizz narrowly past the goal.
Pohkseh’s defence also looked tight with key players Upstarson Jitem and Ronald Pyngrope neatly holding back the Langsning attack.
On Wednesday, Rangdajied United, who have won both their opening matches, play Malki at 3:15 pm at the JN Sports Complex, Polo Grounds.
Rangdajied beat MLP 3-0 in their opening match, following that up with a 2-1 win over Wahingdoh.
Malki drew their first match with Royal Wahingdoh 1-1, but were then able to defeat MLP 1-0.
A win for either team would push them to the top of the points table, although it is still early days in the Shillong Premier League.