U-19 I-League final round
SHILLONG: After losing their opening encounter, Shillong Lajong bounced back with a resounding 5-1 victory over Hindustan FC in a final round match of the U-19 I-League in Jamshedpur on Wednesday.
The junior Reds had earlier lost to Sesa Football Academy 2-1 on Monday.
Zodingliana Ralte opened the scoring on Wednesday when he converted a penalty in the 11th minute.
Redeem Tlang then doubled the lead for Lajong when he headed the ball into the back of the net after a cross from Rakesh Pradhan in the 22nd minute.
SLFC then made it 3-0 when Angousana struck a beautiful shot from outside the box in the 34th minute, a clear indication of Lajong’s dominance.
However, Tilaksukbha pulled one goal back for Hindustan FC six minutes later and the two teams went into the break with the Reds leading 3-1.
The Shillong boys started the second half where they left off and wasted little time in extending their lead further.
This time it was Bipin Singh who put one into the net (50th minute) assisted by Rojit Singh.
The junior Reds played good football, attacking and defending brilliantly and thwarting all attempts made by their opponents.
Bipin scored a second goal and his team’s last when he converted a wonderful shot inside the box 10 minutes from full time.
Lajong now have three points from two games and will played their next match against Tata Football Academy on April 25 at 4:00pm.
After playing out a goalless draw, the Tata Academy beat AIFF Navi Mumbai Academy 4-1.
The AIFF team had won their opener on Monday against Hindustan.
Meanwhile, East Bengal came from 2-1 down to defeat Sesa 3-2 in an exciting contest.
Tata FA and East Bengal now lead the standings with four points each.
