Goalless draw saves Rangdajied FC

SHILLONG, APR 21: The second Shillong derby between Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC ended in a goal less draw at the JN stadium on Monday sparing  Rangdajied from relegations from the I-League.

Shillong Lajong started off on a very promising note with plenty of possession but never created any real chances until Uilliams’ shot in the 40^th minute was punched away by Rangdajied United goalkeeper Rehenesh TP.

Rangdajied United FC, who came to the match with threat of relegation, did not create any major chances of their own as well. The match remained in the midfield as both teams lacked any creativity up front. Both teams went into the break with the scoreboard unchanged.

The second half did not vary much from the first with Rangdajied United remaining content with the proceedings and did not look like creating any more chances. They remained deep and never countered the Lajong offense as the Reds were enjoying greater possession of the ball in the second half.

Shillong Lajong brought in striker Durga Boro in 66^th minute to strengthen the attack but to no avail. The game remained in midfield with both teams finding it hard to press into the opponent’s box. With not much excitement in the game, the referee blew the final whistle to end the match in a goalless draw.

Shillong Lajong’s coach Thangboi Singto said in a post match press conference that the performance was “disappointing”. He also added, “We did not play the type of football we could play or we would like to play.”

Rangdajied United FC coach Herring Shangpliang was not present for the derby but assistant coach Khlain Syiemlieh stepped in and said he was “happy with the result”.  Speaking in the post match press conference he also said, “Our objective was a win or a draw and we were content with holding Lajong in our own half.”

With this draw Rangdajied United FC has now avoided relegation with 25 points from all their I-league games this season, while Shillong Lajong FC remain  in 5^th position with 33 points from 23 games and will play their last game of the season against Mohun Bagan on April 27 in Kolkata.- By Our Reporter