Lajong stuns Salgaocar FC, wins by 2-1

Shillong, December 6: Despite the unavailability of three of its top players, Shillong Lajong FC pulled a stunning victory against Salgaocar FC defeating the latter with two goals to one in the I-League match played at the JN Stadium on Friday evening. The football crazy Lajong fans went into raptures as the home team provided them with the much awaited opportunity to cheer.

Shillong Lajong FC line-up on Friday’s match looked like a setback on papers as three of its key players were not available. Uilliams was unavailable, his strike partner Cornell Glen and Lajong team captain Minchol Son were also ruled out for the match with ankle injuries.

However the absence of the three did not seem to have any impact on the team as Lajong drew the first blood in the 22nd minute through a brilliant left footed strike from Seikhohao Tuboi. A beautiful pass from the wing found Tuboi on the edge of the box. Tuboi touched the ball exquisitely setting up his shot that went past Salgaocar’s custodian Karanjit Singh into the side netting. The lead gave The Reds a much needed push as they nearly found their second in the next minute as Lajong’s header went off the line.

The Reds were on the front foot again and found their second goal in the 38th minute. Subash Singh dribbled through the Salgaocar defence and Karanjit Singh could not do anything to stop Subash’s shot. The Reds went into the break with a two goal cushion and work left for Salgaocar manager Derrick Pereira.

The second half started in similar fashion as the first with both teams not creating any clear cut chances. The away side then gave Lajong a slight headache when they found their first goal in the 52nd minute. The goal came out of nowhere as Darryl Duffy towered over Lajong keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte and headed the ball into the net. The goal though didn’t prove to be much of a catalyst as Salgaocar still struggled to find their pace.

The Reds were living dangerously towards the end as Salgaocar kept pushing for the equaliser but Pereira’s men were unsuccessful as the Reds finished the game on a winning note.

With this win Shillong Lajong FC have 17 points from 12 games and are currently placed in fifth position in the I-League table while Salgaocar FC slipped to 4th place with 18 points from 12 games.- By Our Reporter