Shillong, Apr 11: Ryntih SC moved back into provisional fourth place in the Shillong Premier League 2023 standings by overturning a first half deficit to beat Nangkiew Irat SC 3-1 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Banshanlang Nongdhar (16’) put Nangkiew Irat into the lead but Ryntih came back fighting in the second half and scored via Banehskhem Khongsdam (55’), Andy Mawthoh (73’) and K Lalrosanga (83’).
Ryntih now have 7 points but have played more matches – five – than any other team. They are tied on points with Mawlai SC (who they drew 1-1 with on 23 March) but the latter have a better goal difference (+6 to +1). Nangkiew Irat, meanwhile, stay in seventh place, tied with Nongthymmai on 3 points. However, the latter have head-to-head advantage after winning when the two sides met on 25 March.
A lazy giveaway of the ball presented Banshan with the opening goal as he only had to beat goalkeeper Frolicson Dkhar and he did so with a finely placed shot into the top corner of the net.
There was little further action before the half time whistle. Neither side are big first half scorers – Ryntih have only managed one goal in the period during any of their five matches, while today was Nangkiew Irat’s first of the season.
It only took 10 minutes of the second half before the equaliser was found, with Andy tapping the ball to Banehskhem, who struck it low across the ground to beat Nangkiew Irat goalie Rihoklang Khongjoh.
Banehskhem and Andy would trade places in creating the second goal, with Banehskhem providing the assist and Andy scoring to give Ryntih the lead.
Andy could have had a goal three minutes earlier after Wanshanlang Dkhar made a brilliant run up the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross but the Ryntih captain somehow managed to tap the ball over the crossbar from close range.
Nangkiew Irat really did not look like they could come back into the contest after they went behind. In fact, they have scored the fewest goals (4) of any side so far and their Abhishek Verma, who had impressed the last time out, appeared to have an off day today.
Ryntih left no doubt about the result when Lalrosanga scored off a corner kick to make it 3-1, which gave the club a much-needed boost after they were drubbed 4-0 by Rangdajied United FC on Monday.
The SPL 2023 action continues tomorrow as Nongthymmai SC face reigning champions Mawlai SC at 3PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Ryntih in white, Nangkiew Irat in green-black)
