SPL 2024: Sawmer end losing streak with hard-fought draw against Nangkiew Irat

Shillong, Jan 31: Sawmer SC fought hard to earn a crucial point in a 1-1 draw against Nangkiew Irat SC in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2024 at the SSA Stadium, Polo, on Friday. The result ended Sawmer’s five-match losing streak, while Nangkiew Irat extended their run of consecutive draws to four.

Nangkiew Irat took an early lead in the sixth minute when Wallamsuk Nongkhlaw confidently converted a penalty. They continued to dominate the first half, creating several scoring opportunities. Ronaldkydon L Nonglait came closest in the 40th minute with an acrobatic effort that struck the woodwork. Just before halftime, Jefferson Pakyntein was denied by an alert save from Sawmer goalkeeper Jeffrey G Jyrwa.

Despite being under pressure for most of the match, Sawmer found an equalizer in the 69th minute through Hilford Lyngkhei. His seemingly innocuous header caught Nangkiew Irat goalkeeper Surjay Kumar Pariyar off guard, shifting momentum momentarily in Sawmer’s favour. Minutes later, Sawmer almost took the lead when Orestar Sad fired a powerful long-range free-kick, but Pariyar managed to keep it out.

Sawmer’s resolve was tested further in the final stages when they were reduced to 10 men, having used all their substitutions before an injury forced one of their players off with odd 15 minutes still to go. Sensing an opportunity, Nangkiew Irat coach Joseph Naik pushed his team forward in search of a late winner, but Sawmer’s defense held strong, ensuring they walked away with a valuable point.

Nangkiew Irat remain fifth in the standings with 16 points from 12 games, while Sawmer stay in eighth with 12 points from as many matches. The next SPL match will see Ryntih FC take on Langsning FC on February 3 at 2:30 PM.

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