Shillong, March 27: Shillong Lajong FC burst into life in the second half to take a 3-1 victory over Ryntih SC in their Shillong Premier League 2023 match at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, on Wednesday.
Ryntih had the edge in the first 45 minutes but the young guns of Lajong swept the second session with goals from Colinsalmon Lyngdoh (57’) and Deibormame Tongper (61’, 90’+3). Ryntih’s lone goal was by Melvin Warjri (87’).
Lajong had won their opener 3-2 against Langsning FC last week, while Rynith were held to a 1-1 draw by reigning champions Mawlai SC.
SLFC had the first chance with Babysunday Marngar dragging one wide from a good position while unmarked inside the box. In the eighth minute, Andy Mawthoh, donning the captain’s armband for Ryntih, hit the woodwork at the other end of the pitch and Wanshan Dkhar could not make the rebound count.
Lajong were forced into a substitution half an hour into the match after goalkeeper Ngamsanglena Haokip had to leave the pitch following a heavy collision with a team mate. In his place stood Wanteilang Malngiang and Ryntih looked to take advantage of his newness on the pitch. Wanshan had another good opportunity in the 36th minute thanks to a sublime through ball but he fired it too wide. Then, in stoppage time, K Lalrosanga had a header on target but this was cleared off the line by a Lajong defender.
Switching over, Lajong must have been given a good pep talk by coach Janbor Marbaniang because they came out looking more composed and sure-footed.
Within the first five minutes, Shano Tariang, who has very useful I-League experience behind him, went wide with a volley from an Atlanson Kharmaw cross, while Ryntih, not to be outdone, saw Banmanroy Nongsiej slightly off target in the 55th minute.
It was then that the period of Lajong domination began with Colin taking the ball into the box as the Ryntih defence opened up and he nailed his strike past goalie Frolicson Dkhar.
Four minutes later, Shano raced to a long ball and passed to the right for a simple tap-in by Diebormame.
Ryntih were not out of the contest and knew that one goal could change things. This was finally delivered by Melvin, a defender who had come up front for a corner kick. He made no mistake with his header and there were still a few minutes for Ryntih to at least salvage a draw.
Pushing high, Ryntih were vulnerable at the back, though, and first Chibaitki Pamthied missed from close range before Deibormame got the third Lajong goal, with another tap-in from a cross, this time by Colin.
In just two games, Deibormame has three goals and is the season’s top scorer at the moment. His club, now with 6 points from two outings, are on top of the points table; Rangdajied United FC also have 6 points but SLFC can lay claim to the better goal difference (+3 compared to +2). Thursday will witness the last match of the second round between Langsning FC and Mawlai SC, which will begin at 3pm. Neither side won their opening fixture, with Langsning losing to Lajong and Mawlai drawing with Ryntih.
