Shillong, Apr 9:Â Shillong Lajong FC pipped Diamond Rock FC 1-0 in their second match in Group B of the Second Division League in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, today.
The only goal of the game came in the 68th minute via Hardy Cliff Nongbri (pictured file photo). Nongbri was also named Player of the Match.
Lajong had started their campaign in the Second Division, the league below the I-League, with victory over East Bengal reserves on 4th April by the same margin.
Coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet made just the one change from the East Bengal match, bringing in Babysunday Marngar in place of Amon Lepcha in the starting line-up.
The other match of the day saw Kolkata teams United SC and East Bengal reserves play out a goalless draw. That means that, with two wins, SLFC are in pole position in Group B with a full 6 points, with United on 4, East Bengal 1 and Diamond Rock 0.
The winners of each group plus the best second-placed team will qualify for the final round.
Lajong’s next match is scheduled to take place in Shillong on 14th April versus United SC. That fixture is meant to take place at First Ground, Polo, but if that venue, which only recently got a new artificial surface, is not ready in time, then it may have to be played elsewhere.
Lajong’s squad today: Bishal Lama (GK), Henry Ford Nongneng, Sambor Kharsahnoh, Saveme Tariang, Babysunday Marngar, Pursunep (sub Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem 79′ (sub Pynche Tyngkan 90’+5)), Hardy Cliff Nongbri (sub Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait 89′), Sangti Janai Shianglong, Hamedamanbha Wahlang, Chanmitre Thma, Atlanson Kharmaw
(TSR file photo)
