Shillong, May 14: The second day of the U-18 Shillong Premier League 2019 season saw Laban hold off a determined Smit for a 2-1 victory at Third Ground here today.
Solomon Shullai got an early breakthrough for Laban in the sixth minute, but from then on Smit looked like the better side, exhibiting better ball control, though their efforts in the final third were wanting.
Laban were also unpolished and chances went begging for both teams before super sub Aiban Khongsngi (pictured foreground celebrating his goal) headed in a cross in the 68th minute to give Laban more breathing space.
However, that 2-0 lead would only last a few minutes before Smit earned a corner. It seemed harmless enough, but Shanborlang Warlarpih got his head to the ball and it beat the Laban goalkeeper in the 74th minute.
There were calls from the Smit bench for one more goal, but Laban were able to hold off their opponents. Smit ended the game with 10 players on the pitch after tempers flared towards the end of the game. Cards were flashed by the referee, including a red for a Smit player.
Tomorrow Mawkhar will take on Nongrim Hills at 3:45PM.
(TSR photo)
