Shillong Premier League
SHILLONG: Royal Wahingdoh came down hard to hand MLP a 5-0 defeat, thereby registering their first victory in three matches, in a Shillong Premier League game at the JN Sports Complex on Thursday.
The Royals, aided by Man-of-the-Match Atsushi Yonezawa’s double strike, were aided after MLP’s Marshall Kurkalang was sent off in the 26th minute by referee O Dohling for intentionally bringing down Seityasen Singh.
Defending champions Wahingdoh displayed an improved performance and broke past the police team’s defence on numerous occasions.
The Royals opened their account in the 20th minute when Jacki sent a low left-footed shot into the back of the net and they maintained the 1-0 lead up to half time.
Yonezawa was instrumental in his side’s victory as he scored goals in the 51st and 61st minutes.
The left-winger showed great control on both occasions, as he deftly placed the ball past keeper Alwyn Patwet after making his way past the defenders.
The first shot was a left-foot cracker that saw the ball make its way through a narrow gap.
Wahingdoh made it 4-0 in the 74th minute after Seityasen produced a gentle touch into the net that left Alwyn helpless.
Bickyson Kharkongor delivered the final blow in the 79th minute following a scramble inside the box.
With this win, Royal Wahingdoh have gotten their SPL campaign going, although admittedly against one of the weakest teams this season.
They now have four points and are tied with Malki and Langsning, the latter having played one less match.
MLP’s losing streak continues and they are at the bottom of the standings.
They have also yet to score a goal in the tournament thus far.
There will be no match on Friday, but Saturday sees Mawlai play Pohkseh at 3:15pm at the JN Sports Complex.
Both teams have yet to win a match, though Pohkseh did draw against Langsning in their last outing and therefore have one point to their credit.