Shillong, Jul 7: Shillong Lajong’s Apborlang Kurbah (pictured left) scored the first hat-trick of the U-18 Shillong Premier League 2018 here today in his side’s 4-0 victory over Malki.
Incidentally, Lajong had also beaten Malki by the exact same margin in the first leg.
Kurbah scored in the 25th, 61st and 72nd minutes to take him to the joint lead in the scoring charts with five goals this season.
The No. 23 chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper for his first goal. His second was a little lucky as he aimed his shot straight at the opposing custodian, but the ball burst through Damekerlang Warjri’s gloves and went into the net. Kurbah netted his hat-trick goal in the 72nd minute by beating the defensive line and edging the ball past the keeper.
Earlier, Kitboklang Khyriem scored the opening goal for Lajong in the ninth minute when he blasted the ball into the net from just inside the box.
Malki certainly had their chances and even found several shots on target, but failed to get any of them through. Their best effort was arguably Meshwa Marbaniang’s powerful second half strike that was put out by the Lajong goalie with a good save.
Malki remain at the bottom of the table after eight rounds with a solitary point. SLFC, on the other hand are in second place on 14 points, ahead of Sawmer on goal difference. Langsning are in the lead with 15.
On Monday Nangkiew Irat will take on Sawmer at 3:45PM.
(Photo contributed by Malki SC)