Lajong beat MLP in Shillong Premier League

From a Reporter

SHILLONG, Sept 15: Shillong Lajong Football Club emerged victorious with a solitary goal today against MLP in the ongoing Gionee Shillong Premier League held at JN Stadium Shillong today.

Both the teams started well trying to find their rhythm in the game and pressed forward.  Lajong youngsters were passing the ball much better around the field but could not create good chances at goal in the first 15 minutes.  In the 20th minute, MLP had a good chance to take the lead through a free kick but their unmarked player could not make contact with the ball.

Immediately, on the counter Lajong had a great chance to score as Samuela was fed a through ball towards goal but the MLP custodian came forward and squandered the chance. The high pressing game from Lajong paid off when Samuela was tripped by the goalkeeper and was awarded a pelty.

Samuela stepped up and scored for Lajong in the 24th minute. MLP meanwhile did not sit back but kept going forward in search for the equaliser. In the 40th minute, Samuela had the best chance to score a brace as he was one on one with the keeper but his effort at goal was saved by the MLP keeper.  The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Lajong.

Lajong began the second half brightly as they pressed forward to seal the match with another goal. They earned a corner in the 47th minute but Aiban’s header went wide of the goal. MLP had a good chance to equalise in the 55th minute as their forward had a one on one chance with the keeper, but Lajong custodian, Phurba stood tall and spread his arms wide and deflected the ball away for a corner.

With many chances coming in, Lajong had an even better chance as Milan Basumatary who came on as a substitute, dribbled past a defender on the left to lay it off in front of goal but Samuela’s header went inches wide off the post. The latter stages of the match were end to end as both teams pressed forward eager to score.

Lajong end this first leg of the Gionee Shillong Premier League on top of the table with 17 points from 7 matches and remain undefeated. Second leg fixtures of the league are scheduled to begin next week.