SHILLONG:
Rangdajied United FC (RUFC) registered a long-awaited 2-0 win against Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) in the 21st match – and first of the sixth round – of the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2021-22 at Third Ground, Polo on Monday. The match was postponed from Saturday.
Wanlamsuk Nongkhlaw (61’) and Knerktilang Buam (90’+4) were the goal scorers.
Before the match, Rangdajied were in fourth position with 8 points and defending champions Lajong were sixth on 4 points. The win takes Rangdajied back to second place with 11 points.
SLFC have had the better of the exchanges in their recent meetings, not having lost to Rangdajied in the SPL since 31 October 2016. They have also defeated RUFC in the final of the last edition of the Meghalaya State League in December 2019.
The first half performance from Rangdajied looked like they would struggle to overcome Lajong, a team that has frustrated them for so long, even though this is a very inexperienced SLFC.
However, in the second half it was the boys in blue who looked more hungry and more capable of breaking the deadlock.
Nongkhlaw scored the opener in the 61st minute. Both he and team mate Chesterpaul Lyngdoh were completely unmarked and they both went for the corner kick by Knerktilang but it was Nongkhlaw who got his head to the ball and there was nothing goalkeeper Malngiang could do about it.
The second goal was scored when Wallambha Kharpran cut the ball back after making a run up the right flank and fellow substitute Knerktilang needed only one touch to see it into the net from the penalty area.