By Our Reporter
Shillong, May 16: Neblejohn Lyngkhoi scored the first hat-trick of the 5th Meghalaya State League’s quarterfinal round in Nangkiew Irat SC’s 7-1 win against Maram FC in Group B at the SSA Stadium here on Saturday.
The later game saw Langsning FC extend their winning streak to a perfect nine matches, this time having beaten Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC 3-0. Donlad Diengdoh (14’) and Kyrmenskhem Mukhim (40’) scored a goal each in the first half and Nelson Rymbai (59’) in the second.
Dibinroy Nongspung (15’) put Nangkiew Irat into the lead only for Maram to level with a Seiborlang Tado (21’) shot that scooted along the ground and into the net.
Nangkiew Irat were forced into an early substitution when Banshanlang Dhar pulled up with injury but his replacement, Sandy Kharkongor (27’), made the most of his opportunity by heading in a cross to restore Nangkiew Irat’s lead.
Neblejohn then got the first of his goals with another header in the 39th minute – this time Sandy was the provider. He scored his second from a through ball provided by Sangti Janai Shianglong in the 57th and then converted a penalty to get his hat-trick in the 66th.
Nangkiew Irat were not done, however, as Ronaldkydon L Nonglait (83’) and Neblejohn (87’) added a couple more. This was their first win after losing to Shkenshynriah in their opening match. Maram, meanwhile, have lost both of their first two games – this one was only marginally less bad than the 7-0 defeat to Langsning.
In the other game, Donlad volleyed a cross from Kyrmenskhem to put Langsning in front and the experienced striker then repaid the favour before half time when he provided the assist for Kymenskhem’s goal. However, Donlad injured himself in the process and had to be replaced on the field by Nelson, who headed in a corner on the hour mark.
Shkenshynriah had their moments, such as when Rihokmi Tyngkan’s shot was cleared off the line at the end of the first half and Alwinson Bareh’s left-footer was blocked by Langsning goalkeeper Nister Roy Suting just before Langsning’s third goal.
In the standings, Langsning lead with 6 points, followed by Rymbai Shkenshynriah and Nangkiew Irat both with 3 each. Although Nangkiew Irat have the better goal difference (+5 to -1), head-to-head counts for more by virtue of this Shkenshynriah maintain their hold of second place.
On Monday, in Group A, Rangdajied United FC will face Mawlai SC at 2pm with both sides desperate for victory. A massive clash follows after that as group leaders Shillong Lajong FC will go up against second-placed Nongkseh SSCC at 6pm.
