SHILLONG:
Mawkhar SC pulled off a remarkable underdog performance to hold runaway leaders Mawlai SC to a 0-0 draw in their OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2021-22 match at Third Ground, Polo on Wednesday.
The two sides experienced contrasting fortunes coming into the match. Mawkhar took a point in their first game but then went on to lose everyone of their next four fixtures, while Mawlai , the standout performers – won all five of their games without conceding a single goal.
This draw brought an end to Mawlai’s winning streak, though their run of clean sheets continues. Mawkhar remain rooted to the bottom of the table although the result put an end to their losing streak.
Mawlai were not complacent despite their superiority and fielded a full strength team but they appeared rattled in the first half and their frustration at being unable to break the deadlock only increased as the match wore on.
They made their intentions clear in the very first minute when they won a corner but failed to convert. Restorewell Marbaniang then demonstrated Mawkhar’s intent not to be rolled over with a left-footed shot from long range that tested Mawlai’s Neithovilie Chalieu but the goalkeeper stayed strong and tipped the ball onto the crossbar and out for a corner.
Apart from one missed opportunity, Mawlai did not have a good outing in the first half but started stronger in the second.
Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi made a good run in the 57th minute but Mawkhar’s defenders tracked back and blocked his attempt.
Mawlai kept coming forward and by this stage Mawkhar were ready to settle for a point.Increasingly desperate Mawlai’s efforts proved more wayward, such as the 80th minute header that went wide by Donlad Diengdoh, the type of chance he converts most of the time.
Nine minutes of stoppage time was signalled but no changes were made in the scoreline.