Shillong, Sep 27: Smit SC and Laitkyrhong SC moved up to second and third respectively in Group A of the Shillong Sports Association’s Second Division 2024 thanks to victories at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Smit beat bottom side Imson SC 3-1, while 10-man Laitkyrhong held off Umphrup SC 1-0.
Nathaniel Kharbangar (16′, 41′) registered a brace for Smit, while Nangsan Warlarpih (77′) scored his side’s third goal in the second half. Imson’s lone strike was through Amosly Nongbri (66′).
Later, both sides were giving it their all on the pitch but Samboklang Kurkalang’s 71st minute goal proved to be the only breakthrough in the Laitkyrhong-Umphrup match-up.
Laitkyrhong had a sending off soon after for a rash challenge but Umphrup were unable to make their advantage in numbers count and they slipped to their third defeat.
Smit now have 9 points and will be up against leaders Meghalaya Police in their final group game. Laitkyrhong, meanwhile, will take on Sohiong SC in the last round. Only the top two teams will progress to the semifinals. At the other end, Imson are set to be relegated to next season’s Third Division.
Tomorrow will witness the semifinals of the Third Division 2024. The first match will see Mawryngkneng SC versus Mawpat SC at 12PM, followed by Umpling SC against Tynring SC at 3PM. Both matches will take place at First Ground.
(TSR photo. Umphrup SC in blue, Laitkyrhong SC in white)
