Shillong, Sep 9: After losing their first three matches, a much-changed Laban finally ended with a 1-0 win over Nangkiew Irat in the 12th match of the Shillong Premier League 2019 at the JN Stadium here today.
Asito Krose scored Laban’s maiden goal of the season in the 51st minute via a free-kick.
Laban made several changes to their starting XI, swapping out all but four of their non-Meghalaya players. Nangkiew also didn’t have two of their most dangerous playmakers – Damehun Syih and Roikhihbha Nongtdu.
There was good attacking play from both sides, but it was more surprising to see it from Laban, who had not scored a single goal in any of their opening three matches. In fact, by the 20th minute they had already made more attempts on goal than in the entire last game against Shillong Lajong.
The best chance of the first half came in the 39th minute when Kerionald Pyngrope forced Nangkiew goalkeeper Monlang Shylla into making an excellent diving save.
Laban were able to take the lead early into the second 45 minutes when Bickyson Kharkongor was fouled on the edge of the box. Krose, who seemed disappointed not being allowed to take a free-kick in the Lajong game, was chosen this time around and he delivered a stunning left-footed strike that sailed past the outstretched glove of Shylla.
Nangkiew had a few chances after that, with two shots striking the crossbar and Shanbor Jyrwa, who had a very impressive outing on the right flank, just heading a cross over the horizontal in the 90th minute.
Their first points puts Laban on three, ahead of Nongrim Hills (1) and behind Langsning (4). This was not only the first match in which they scored a goal, it was also their first with a clean sheet after conceding 10 goals in their previous three fixtures. This was also Nangkiew’s first defeat of the season after they won their opener and played out two goalless draws after that.
Tomorrow Rangdajied United are scheduled to face Ryntih at 3:30PM.
(TSR photo. Nangkiew Irat are in red, Laban in white)