Shillong, Sep 16: Lawmali SC sprang a surprise to beat Umpling SC 3-1 in the Shillong Sports Association’s Third Division 2024 at First Ground, Polo, here today, leaving Group C with three teams all tied on 9 points each.
The other match of the day, in Group A, saw Banker Mynsong score a hat-trick as Mawryngkneng SC defeated Lapalang SC 5-2.
Umpling had been riding high in Group C with three successive wins and only needed a draw to confirm their hold on first place. However, goals from Richmond Buam (4′), Dameshwa Malngiang (41′) and Arki Paia Tariang (90′) saw Lawmali upset Umpling, who only managed one goal via Busel Lyngshiang (23′).
The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals.
With three teams on 9 points each, head-to-head is considered first but is unhelpful as each of the three – Mawkriah West SC being the other – has experienced one win and one defeat against the other two. Therefore, goal difference is looked at next but all three are equal on this count with +5. Goals scored (GF in the table) is then considered and here Umpling lead on 11, so should be able to claim first place.
However, both Mawkriah West and Lawmali are equal by this measure with 9 goals scored each and the rules aren’t too clear (as far as TSR understands them) at this point – should we go back to head-to-head to separate the two (if so, Mawkriah West beat Lawmali) or should the drawing of lots be used? We’ll try and get an answer from the SSA on this tomorrow.
Meanwhile, there were no such issues in Group A. Mawryngkneng were leading the standings before today and continue to do so after beating bottom side Lapalang.
Banker scored his treble (also his first goals of the season) in the 27th, 36th and 65th minutes. His team mates Wanbha War (54′) and Baehbok Sari (67′) were also on the scoresheet.
Lapalang had actually taken the lead in the 18th minute through Sonjalen Haokip (18′) before Mawryngkneng came back hard. Alex Kharkrang (59′) was the other Lapalang player to net a goal today.
Tomorrow’s fixtures:
Third Division – Group D – Lamlynti FC vs Sanmer SC, 12:30PM, First Ground
Third Division – Group A – Kharang SC vs Pomlakrai SC, 3:30PM, First Ground