SHILLONG: An inspiring performance by Boys Sports Company saw them fashion an unexpected 3-2 win over league toppers Shillong Lajong FC in the final of the First Division championship at the JN Sports Complex on Saturday even after conceding an early lead.
Bikram Adhikari’s timely double strike ensured the regiment boys a memorable victory over favourites Lajong despite the Reds going all-out to earn the First Division trophy.
Shanbor Jyrwa’s 29th minute goal provided a solid platform for Lajong, who were fielding their junior team, as they looked in control of the match early on.
However, despite Lajong’s attacking approach, Boys Sports levelled scores when Bikram carved out a 38th minute goal to see both sides go into half-time with the scores at 1-1.
In the 65th minute, Bikram sent a well-timed shot into the net to give Boys Sports a much-needed lead.
Tshering Bhutia then added to Lajong’s woes when he joined the party to produce a 71st minute goal, making it 3-1.
Lajong’s Lalrammuana gave the Reds a glimmer of hope after converting a shot in the 77th minute, but that was not enough to see Lajong home.
Boys Sports Company and Shillong Lajong have both qualified for next season’s Super Division League and will replace the bottom two teams of this year’s Shillong Premier League.
Third Division
A defiant Mawkhar held on to a 2-2 draw against Umphyrnai after trailing by a goal in the first five minutes of play in their Third Division encounter at Polo Grounds.
Umphyrnai’s Jeffri Kharumnuid scored a fifth minute goal before John Paul Mylliemngap’s 24th minute strike saw Mawkhar stage a comeback.
Elmer Thabah then scored a second for Mawkhar, keeping any hopes of a win alive.
Benezer Kharkongor, however, beat the keeper to the net in the 69th minute to help Umphyrnai hang on to a 2-2 draw.
Inaugural SPL match postponed
Meanwhile, the Shillong Sports Association announced on Saturday that all matches scheduled for September 2 have been postponed to the following day.
September 3 will see Rangdajied United FC take on MLP FT in the inaugural match of this season’s Shillong Premier League at 2:45pm, followed by a floodlit match between defending champions Royal Wahingdoh FC and Malki SC at 5:15pm at the JN Stadium.
In the Third Division, CAC will face Nongsohphoh at 12:15pm at the JN Sports Complex, while Risa Colony face Sanmer at 4pm.
