SHILLONG: Langsning FC and Royal Wahingdoh FC tasted easy success in their respective Shillong Premier League matches at the JN Stadium, Polo, on Monday, which also ensured that the battle for third place in the standings will continue.
While defending champions Wahingdoh put five goals past bottom club Mawlai, Langsning scored seven in the later match against Pohkseh.
The Royals thus maintain their one point lead over Langsning (23 to 22) with both sides left with one match to play in the league stage.
Langsning’s assault against Pohkseh was led by Nabachandra Singh, who recorded the fastest goal of the tournament, scoring in the first minute of play on his way to a hat-trick.
Pohkseh were outplayed in all departments as Langsning wasted no time in building on their early goal.
Nabachandra added his second in the eighth minute before Nickelson Bina made it 3-0 with a 40th minute conversion, seeing his team into half time with a commanding lead.
The rain of goals continued in the second session with Nabachandra completing his hat-trick in the 50th minute. Ashok Moirangthem then swung into action, finding the net in the 56th and 90th minutes.
Even 6-0 was not enough, however, with Teiborlang Siangshai adding another goal in stoppage time.
Meanwhile, in the afternoon fixture, Mawlai could not end their SPL season on a positive note, losing 5-0 to RWFC.
It was a good response for Wahingdoh, after failing to launch a late fightback against Rangdajied United in their last match, losing that contest 3-2.
Although Mawlai showed some resistance, they were outclassed against a stronger opposition that took an attacking stance from the word go.
Mawlai thus end with just one hard-earned victory in their 14 matches and will be relegated next season, along with Pohkseh, who still have one more game to go.
Their places next year will be taken by First Division champions Boys Sports Company and runners-up Shillong Lajong FC.
The Royals got off to an early start with David placing a shot past the goalkeeper in the 15th minute.
Chesterfield Nongdhar doubled the lead with a 27th minute conversion that deflected off a Mawlai defender.
Man-of-the-Match Malsawmtluanga then produced a beautiful free kick after half an hour that sailed over the wall and was beyond the reach of the goalie.
Malsawmtluanga earned his brace in the 68th minute before Bickyson Kharkongor finished it off with a 69th minute header, giving the Royals a 5-0 win.
Only three games remain in the league stage and Tuesday will see the two strongest teams of the season go head to head, when Rangdajied United FC clash with Malki SC at 2:45pm at the JN Stadium, Polo.
Rangdajied have beaten every team they have come across this season; they were 3-1 winners over Malki in the first round.
3rd Div Super League
Meanwhile, Mawkriah West squeezed out a narrow 1-0 win over Rynjah in their Third Division Super League match on Monday at Polo Grounds thanks to a 64th minute goal by Tishar Kharbhih.
Tuesday’s Super League match will be played between Qualapaty and Nongrah at 1pm at Polo Grounds, the last of the league stage matches.
