SHILLONG: Even three goals from Langsning was not enough to deny runaway Shillong Premier League leaders Rangdajied United FC a victory as the Blues recorded their 12th straight win in a 5-3 contest at the JN Stadium, Polo, on Thursday.
Langsning were leading by two goals in the first half before RUFC came back strongly, with Brazilian forward Edmar Figueira scoring a hat-trick.
Langsning earned an early goal with Ailad Kynta converted a penalty in the fifth minute and, six minutes later, captain Victor Shadap made it 2-0 by neatly placing his shot past the goalkeeper.
However, despite a sluggish start, Rangdajied’s first goal came in the 22nd minute with Bansharai Sun heading in a cross.
The equaliser came in the 45th minute when Joychandra Singh’s long ball into the box from the right flank skidded off a Langsning defender’s head and beat the goalkeeper.
Figueira scored all three of his goals in the second half, his first two coming soon after the restart, in the 46th and 49th minutes, to make it 4-2.
Langsning’s Nabachandra Singh reduced the margin in the 53rd minute, but an inspired Figueira scored again in the 71st to virtually seal the fate of the match.
Rangdajied now have a maximum possible 36 points from 12 matches, a 10-point lead over second-placed Malki.
Langsning remain in fourth place with 19 points from 12 games; this was their third loss of the season.
In Friday’s SPL match, Pohkseh will take on Nangkiew Irat at 2:45pm. Pohkseh are on an eight-match losing streak and will have to lift themselves up after an 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Malki on Wednesday.
Nangkiew, for their part, lost their last two matches quite badly, conceding nine goals in total to RUFC and Royal Wahingdoh, and they will look to get back to winning ways against the minnows Pohkseh.
3rd Div Super League
Meanwhile, in a Third Division Super League match, Rynjah hammered Nongmensong 5-0 after Raynold Lyngdoh scored four goals (fourth, 24th, 51st and 68th minutes). Ongnam Sanjoy Singh contributed a 28th minute goal.
Friday’s fixture will be see Nongrah face Lawsohtun at 1pm at Polo Grounds.