Uilliams nets both goals in 2-1 victory
SHILLONG: It was a long time in coming but striker Uilliams Souza Silva’s brace ensured that Shillong Lajong FC came away with their first home win of the season in an eighth round match against Mohammedan Sporting at the JN Stadium, Polo, on Saturday.
The striker has come into his own following the injury to fellow man upfront Cornell Glen and has now scored three goals in the last two matches.
Uilliams’ compatriot Josimar scored the lone goal for Mohammedan Sporting, but Lajong held on to win 2-1 against the Kolkatan club.
A thrilling encounter in cold and foggy conditions saw the 7,500 spectators on their feet when the final whistle sounded in the Reds’ sixth home game.
The game started out well for Mohammedan after they got possession and created chances. Lajong then gained the advantage after launching attacking displays and cutting through their opponents’ defensive line.
In the 30th minute, a handball inside the box saw referee Rabichandra award the home side a crucial penalty kick.
Uilliams continued his scoring touch after he successfully converted the penalty, giving his side the lead.
Glen and Japanese midfielder Taiuske Matsugae both missed the fixture through injury, but Uilliams was up to the task and was ably supported in the offensive line by Subash Singh.
Mohammedan, who can boast of a strong attacking outfit, equalised in the 40th minute after Josimar capitalised on a mistake by SLFC’s defenders and eased the ball into the back of the net following a pass from Tolgay Ozbey.
Mohammedan had Luciano Sabrosa back from injury to strengthen the defence but it was Lajong’s captain Minchol Son who took responsibility, breaking Mohammedan’s attacks.
The first half ended with both teams going into the break with an even score line.
The second half started with much of the spark from the first being carried forward as both teams looked dangerous.
It took Lajong 76 minutes into the game to find their second goal after a brilliant curler from Brazilian Uilliams.
A throw-in found the striker on the right flank, cutting inside Mohammedan’s penalty area to curl a left-footed shot from an incredibly tight angle that went past Mohammedan Sporting’s goalkeeper L Ashok Singh into the back of the net.
The Reds created a lot of chances after retaking the lead when Subash tapped his shot over the keeper but it was cleared off the line.
At the final whistle, Lajong emerged victorious with their first home win and a valuable three points.
With this win, the Reds now are in sixth position with 12 points from eight games and Mohammedan Sporting slipped to ninth position with seven points from seven games.
Mohammedan coach Abdul Aziz Moshood was visibly upset during the post-match press conference, unhappy with the officiating during the match.
“Poor decisions do not help the game,” Moshood said while pointing to the penalty kick awarded to Lajong following a handball by a Black & Whites player.
“Such decisions harm the cause of Indian football,” Moshood said.
Lajong coach Singto on the other hand was happy with his team’s performance despite missing out on two key players.
“This win against a quality Mohammedan Sporting side is a big boost for the team. Despite missing Glen and Taisuke the other players rose to the occasion,” he said.
Singto was also all praise for the two youngsters Jacob Lalrawngbawla and Redeem Tlang, who were fielded on Saturday.