Shillong: An exciting match with end-to-end action in the second half saw Shillong Lajong FC pull off a 2-1 victory over Minerva Punjab FC in the I-League at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana on Tuesday.
This was Lajong’s second away win of the season and it came on the back of goals from Samuel Lalmuanpuia (28th minute) and Fabio Pena (45+2). Kareem Nurain scored Minerva’s lone goal via a penalty in the 35th minute.
Samuel Lalmuanpuia (27th) opened scoring for the visitors but Karim Nurain (36th) drew parity nine minutes later. Fabio Pena (45th) scored another for Lajong at the stroke of the half-time which eventually made the difference between the two teams.
Minerva Punjab FC started confidently after their narrow defeat to the reigning champions Bengaluru FC in their last game and started to enjoy the lion’s share of possession during the first phase of the match.
Three minutes before the half-hour mark, Samuel drew the first blood for the visitors. Within 10 minutes, Minerva striker Kareem Nurain stunned the high-flying visitors with a sublime spot-kick to level the scoreline.
Eventually, Lajong’s Brazilian striker Fabio Pena struck again to leave the home side trailing at the break. In the second half, Lajong started to attack in numbers utilising both their flanks. Fabio Pena played a vital role in organising the attacking strength of the visitors.
Kaith played a tremendous game under the posts earning his team invaluable three points. Minerva came close to scoring from Kareem’s shot but his effort was blocked by Lajong’s resilient backline.
Towards the end, Lajong hit the gas and Minerva box was flooded by several attacking moves by the visitors.
With the win, Lajong sneaked into the top four with 19 points from 12 outings while Minerva Punjab FC plunged to the eighth spot having gathered eight points less.
Churchill stun EB
Meanwhile, East Bengal’s fortress Barasat was sacked as the I-League football leaders suffered their first defeat at home with Churchill Brothers securing a fine 2-1 win at the Vidyasagar Krirangan in Barasat on Tuesday.
Churchill Brothers dominated the first 40 minutes with captain Anthony Wolfe (7th) and Ansumana Kromah (34th) handing a stunning 2-0 lead. But Willis Plaza’s introduction as a 36th minute substitution stepped up the home team’s tempo as they finally pulled one back when Chris Payne (67th) fired one into the far corner after being fed by Robin Singh.
This was a third win for the Goans in their last four outings after Derick Pereira took over as coach as they looked to break into top five. They now trailed fourth and fifth placed Bengaluru FC (16) and Shillong Lajong (16) by one point.
