Shillong, Nov 9: Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) and defending champions Mawlai SC maintained their dominance of the OC Blue Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2024 with wins in their respective matches at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Saturday.
Mawlai first beat Nangkiew Irat SC 2-1 in the early kick-off before Lajong swept aside Ryntih FC 3-0 in the evening match.
Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi (14’), Deibormame Tongper (73’) and Yohaan Benjamin (80’) netted a goal each for SLFC as they overwhelmed Ryntih.
On the other hand, Mawlai had a tougher fight before ultimately coming through as winners. Donlad Diengdoh (27’) and Arkibor Makhroh (60’) scored for Mawlai and Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw (43’) for Nangkiew Irat. All three goals in the match were scored via headers, with Donlad putting in a cross before Wallamsuk beat Mawlai goalkeeper Lambhamiki Lamare to a long ball to equalise. However, Wallam and Mawlai captain Brolington Warlarpih, in a flaring up of tempers, lashed out physically at each other after having a few choice words and were both sent off with direct red cards by the referee just before half time.
Being their main man in attack, Wallamsuk’s absence was a serious blow to Nangkiew Irat, whereas Mawlai were able to cover for experienced defender Brolington.
The winning goal came on the hour with Arkibor heading home a free-kick. He had come on as a halftime substitute and proved crucial to the outcome.
In the Lajong vs Ryntih match, Iohborlang scored early for Lajong through a free-kick, which put Ryntih under pressure right from the get-go. This was the first time this season that Ryntih conceded in the first half of a match.
As in previous games, Ryntih wilted in the second half and Deibormame dealt with his marker to score in the 73rd minute before he turned provider for Yohaan a few minutes later. The latter goal came about after Ryntih gave away the ball carelessly and Lajong took full advantage.
Both Lajong and Mawlai have 10 points each but SLFC are in first place thanks to their healthier goal difference, which now stands at +8 compared to Mawlai’s +5.
The next OC Blue SPL matches will take place on Wednesday. In the first Sawmer SC will take on Nongthymmai SC at 1pm followed by Langsning FC versus Ryntih at 4:30pm.
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