SHILLONG, Aug 9: A brace by Raikutshisha Buam (13’, 52’) and a first half goal by Oresterwell Langshiang (33’) ensured Rangdajied United FC outclassed Nangkiew Irat SC 3-0 to win the 33rd match of the Shillong Premier League 2021-22 at the MFA Turf, Polo Grounds, on Tuesda.
Earlier, in the first leg of the league on July 12, Rangdajied United had defeated Nangkiew Irat 3-1.
The result also saw Rangdajied United climb from fourth to third place in the standings with 15 points while Nangkiew Irat remain fifth with 9 points from eight matches so far.
Nangkiew Irat were sloppy, creating a number of errors although Rangdajied were unable to take advantage of the chances handed to them.
One of the first mistakes by Nangkiew was in the 12th minute when Khangmiki Pale’s weak back pass nearly gave Rangdajied’s Donboklang Lyngdoh a chance but he went wide as the opposing goalkeeper Bobbyson Nongtdu rushed him.
However, just a minute later, Rangdajied scored following a Nangkiew clearance that was headed strongly back towards their citadel by Knerktilang Buam. Raikutshisha took the shot and it brushed past Nongtdu’s fingers before going into the back of the net.
At the other end, another careless back pass nearly saw Nangkiew restore parity but Lambor Nongsiej’s glance was put out by stand-in Rangdajied captain Atlanson Kharmaw, who sprinted back to keep the ball in play.
Just after half an hour, Rangdajied took a 2-0 lead through Langshiang, whose shot followed two from his team mates that were blocked.
Nangkiew Irat almost went further behind in the first half when Nongtdu hurled the ball straight to a Rangdajied player but the latter somehow did not manage to convert.
After the break, Rangdajied started strongly again, with a powerful Donboklang shot palmed away by Nongtdu.
However, another defensive lapse in the 52nd opened the way to Raikutshisha scoring his second of the afternoon, which was also the 80th goal of the OC Blue SPL 2021-22. The No. 7 would later go on to miss what was an excellent chance for a hat-trick, leaving us still waiting for a player to score a treble this season.
Nangkiew Irat had a chance or two of their own but none of these really troubled Rangdajied goalie Banshanlang Sten.
Late in the game, Nongtdu made a complete hash of trying to collect the ball but RUFC failed to find a fourth goal.
On Wednesday, defending champions Shillong Lajong FC (8 points) will take on Ryntih SC (14 points). IN their first leg meeting, Ryntih had blanked Lajong 3-0 on July 6.
Meanwhile, the Shillong Sports Association, organisers of the Shillong Premier League, announced an amendment of the fixtures. The decision was taken after the washout of the Mawlai vs Nangkiew Irat match last week.
That game will now be played on August 18. The league is still scheduled to end on September 24.
