By Our Reporter
Shillong, Sep 6: Nongrim Hills twice held the lead but had to settle for a draw in an entertaining 2-2 match against Laitkor in the Shillong Premier League 2025 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Saturday.
Banshemphang Kurbah (36’) and Isharwell Mukhim (49’) scored for Nongrim Hills while Shanborlang Nongrum (45’) and Sandy Kharkongor (90’+2) did so for Laitkor.
For Nongrim Hills this was their first point in what has been a slow start to the SPL 2025. Laitkor, meanwhile, will be pleased at having fought back but would have fancied winning today; instead this is the second time that they have dropped points to teams below them in the standings after losing 1-0 to Malki in their season opener.
Laitkor goalkeeper Deranius Wahlang made a couple of good early saves but he could do nothing about Banshemphang’s powerful strike that gave Nongrim Hills the lead. Laitkor, however, managed to draw level before the halftime break.
In the build-up a corner kick saw them put pressure really for the first time in the match on the Nongrim Hills defence. The ball then came out to Shanborlang and he delivered a strong left-footer from distance that went past Nongrim Hills custodian Ebenson Warbah.
Nongrim Hills quickly retook the lead when the second half began, with a cross from the left flank met by Isharwell, who slid forwards on the damp surface to reach the ball and send it into the net.
Banshemphang almost had a second goal in the 55th minute but his free-kick clattered into the crossbar.
Nongrim Hills started to count down the minutes for a much-needed victory after that but their hard work was not to be after Sandy, who came on as a substitute only minutes earlier, found the equaliser in stoppage time. He had to battle Onyxson Buhroy hard for the ball, won that contest, though both went to ground, picked himself up and took a fine long-range attempt that Ebenson could not react to.
Nongrim Hills continue to remain at the bottom of the standings with 1 point from four outings while Laitkor move up to sixth place with 4 points – they are tied with Mylliem and have a weaker goal difference (-1 to +1) but have head-to-head advantage, which counts first in SSA tournaments. Mylliem, though, have a game in hand.
SPL 2025 action will return on Monday with Mawlai set to face Malki at 4:30pm.
