Shillong, Jun 25: After a run of four consecutive defeats, Malki lifted their game considerably in the U-18 Shillong Premier League here today and almost secured their first point, but were pipped right at the end of the match with a 90th minute goal from Nangkiew Irat.
A nice long ball was met by a header from an unmarked Hiamdorlang Mairom to give Nangkiew another three points. This was their second victory after beating Malki 2-1 earlier this month.
The two sides were very well-matched in the first half with Malki having some good opportunities to score only their second goal of the tournament, but they were denied by Nangkiew. The latter, too, couldn’t find the breakthrough in the first 45 minutes (the first time Malki have not conceded a goal in the first half) and they then went on to scuff a penalty in the middle of the second session.
However, Nangkiew were easily the more dominant team in the second half and pressed Malki relentlessly. However, the bottom-placed team soldiered on but weariness was a factor, as evidenced by the lapse in marking that allowed Mairom to score his third goal of the season.
It wasn’t the most convincing performance from Nangkiew, but they’ll take the three points, which moves them to provisional third place on eight.
Tomorrow second-from-bottom Sawmer take on second place holders Langsning at 3:45PM.
(Photo contributed by Malki SC. Malki are in blue, Nangkiew in red, Nangkiew’s goalkeeper in yellow)
