Shillong, Aug 16: Rangdajied United became the first team in this Shillong Premier League season to register a hat-trick of victories when they narrowly got past Malki 2-1 at the JN Stadium here today.
All three goals came in the second half, of which two were own goals.
The first half was largely unimpressive from both teams, though there were a few moments to keep the fans interested. Rain, however, seemed to fall on Polo Ground with a vengeance, which kept the action muted.
Malki started proceedings in the second half and their captain, Ronnie Nongbri, got signalled his side’s intentions with a shot on goal in the 46th minute that was put out for a corner by a block by Rangdajied goalkeeper Padam Chettri.
Rangdajied went close in the 63rd minute when Reson Malngiang headed a cross, but this was saved nicely by Malki custodian Sbing Chyrmang.
However, Malki would go behind in the 64th minute when Rikmenlang Marwein put the ball into his own net following a Rangdajied free-kick. One of Malki’s best chances came in the 79th minute when Nongbri let fly a long-range shot that crashed into the crossbar.
The equaliser was finally secured in the 86th minute via another own goal, this time by Rangdajied’s Atlanson Kharmaw. The foul that led to the goal was the first that Rangdajied had conceded in the second half and would go on to prove costly.
Nongbri took the free-kick and Kharmaw looked like he was trying to clear the ball from the six-yard box but ended up clipping it into the net.
With both sides level pegging, the action stepped up and it was RUFC who would go on to secure the winner in the 89th minute when Ambilstar Sun headed in a corner for his side to celebrate.
Rangdajied’s third win puts them on nine points, while Malki are stuck on three after losing two on the trot.
Tomorrow Sawmer will take on Nangkiew Irat at 3:45PM.
(Photo contributed by Malki SC. Malki are in blue, Rangdajied United are in white)