Shillong 3rd August: Shillong Lajong FC defeated newcomers Nongkrem SC by 3-0 in the Gionee Shillong Premier League encounter played today at JN Stadium, Shillong.
Samuela, Hardy and Jacob each found the net for the Reds in the last 10 minutes of the match.
Lajong have not lost a single game and are now at the top of the Gionee Shillong Premier League 2016 table with 10 points from four matches.
The match was evenly contested in the opening quarter of the match. Nongkrem had a lot of pace on the wings and were determined to put up a good fight against defending champions Shillong Lajong. The Reds did not find the expected rhythm and possession in the match and both teams struggled to maintain possession. In the second quarter of the First half, the referee awarded a controversial foul to Nongkrem outside the Lajong box as the Nongkrem player appeared to trip on his own foot. The Reds erupted in protest against the referee’s decision which resulted in Lajong Defender Nim Dorjee being sent off. Nongkrem had a good chance in the second half when their forward lobbed the ball towards goal but the keeper did just enough to tip the ball towards the bar which then rebounded back in play and cleared away by the defence. The first half however ended with no goals scored as Nongkrem SC failed to capitalise on the one man advantage.
Lajong seemed to have had some good words in the break as they played a much better second half. The Reds were enjoying more possession and pressed forward looking for a good chance at goal. Nongkrem played well on the counter and had couple of good chances to take the lead and upset Lajong. After the hour mark of the match, Lajong seemed to be heading to a disappointing result as the chances were not converted and silly mistakes in passes meant chances were squandered. However, in the 84th minute, the reds played some beautiful tiki-take style football around the opponents box and Samuela found himself clear on goal to give Lajong the lead. Then in the 88th minute, Hardy Nongbri doubled the lead after finding some space on the right and placed the ball past the keeper. The match was sealed in the 90th minute after Jacob took a left footer shot just on the edge of the box from the left and made it 3-0.
Lajong earned all 3 points today after leaving it late and will be playing their next match on the 8th of September 2016 against Malki SC.