Bengaluru FC pip Lajong

Shillong, Jan 24: Bengaluru FC emerges victorious against Lajong in Bengaluru by 3 goals with Vineeth opening the score sheet and Kim Song Yong scoring a brace in an I-League Match held in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Bengaluru took the lead in the very first minute after a tackle on the ball made by Penn Orji went straight to Vineeth near the box who shot the ball to the side netting. It was a big blow for the young team of Lajong who were disappointed to concede so early. However there was a lot of time ahead and had a good chance in the 4th minute when Penn made a cross from the right and found Bipin, who took the volley but the ball went high over the bar. Lajong had another chance in the 7th minute after Uilliams took a shot that was on target but lacked power and was hence easily dealt with by the keeper. Bengaluru had a good chance of their own after Eugene took a piledriver shot from far range but his shot was parried away by young Vishal of Lajong. Both teams were not at their best as they were not really finding good rhythm in play. As the match progressed, both teams had a handful of opportunities but lacked a clinical finish. Then in the 35th minute, Kim Song doubled the lead for Bengaluru after a scramble inside the box for an easy tap in goal. It could have been worse for Lajong as John Johnson almost scored for Bengaluru after he met a corner with a powerful header that rattled the crossbar. A free kick by Uilliams in the extra time of first half was well taken but the shot was saved by Bengaluru keeper. The first half ended with 2 goals scored in Favour of the Blues.

Lajong who were playing their first away match of the season, started the second half brightly and pushed forward. Bengaluru were playing well with a lot of experience in the team captained by Sunil Chettri. Lajong youngster Pritam picked up an injury while defending an attacking play and was replaced in the 58th minute by Samuel. In the 60th minute, Kim increased the lead for Bengaluru after finding himself one on one with the keeper and made no mistake in putting the ball in the net, earning himself a brace.

Lajong will travel back to Shillong and prepare for their next match against Salgaocar FC at their home ground.