By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC made it three wins in a row in the Shillong Premier league beating Royal Wahingdoh FC 1-0 at the JN Stadium here on Saturday.
A second half defensive lapse cost Royals their tie against the Reds. The 78th minute goal by Samuel Lalmuanpuia turned out to be the difference between the two I-League sides which contested fiercely on a rainy afternoon in Shillong.
Earlier, the first half was evenly contested with both RWFC and Lajong sharing equal possession throughout the first 45 minutes. The first real chance for Wahingdoh came in the 21st minute when Bickyson Kharkongor made a brisk run from the right and shot it just wide of the nets with the Lajong custodian almost caught unaware. Thereafter, both sides looked to create inroads but were unable to force a change in the score line which remained 0-0 at half time.
The Royals looked a more determined lot crossing over and the inclusion of Bekay Bawar only made things better for the three-time SPL champions. Bawar created a couple of good moves from the centre-park but lack of support in the front meant that goals eluded the Royals.
Later, a defensive lapse on the part of the Royals allowed Lajong to take the lead. SLFC’s Bipin Singh lobbed the ball to Lalmuanpuia in the front and the latter chipped it over RWFC custodian Bishorjit Singh to make it 1-0 for the Reds.
Wahingdoh pressed for the equaliser and saw an opportunity go begging during stoppage time. A brilliant Milancy Khongstia lofted cross from the right was firmly headed by Nabachandra Singh. But a diving save by the rival custodian ensured victory for the Reds.
Meanwhile, Young XI beat Mawkriah 4-3 in a Third Division game while Lawsohtun hammered Lawmei 5-0 in another match.