Shillong, Oct 23: It was an historic day for newly-promoted Laitkor SC as they registered their first victory in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 by beating Nangkiew Irat SC 2-0 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
The evening fixture saw Langsning FC and Nongthymmai SC engaged in an incredible battle that Langsning won 3-2 in stoppage time, having had to come from behind to win.
All four teams involved today had lost their respective opening match of the season. Extra disappointingly for Laitkor it was a walkover as they were unable to complete the player registration process in time.
They made up for that brilliantly today by defeating 10-man Nangkiew Irat with second half goals by Fridison Wanniang (60’) and Banskhem Kharkongor (90’+1).
Laitkor retained many of the players that earned them promotion from the First Division last season while Nangkiew Irat were brimming with several players who have years more experience of playing at this level.
For the first half an hour Laitkor had to soak up the pressure. But they were able to get more balls forward into the opposition half after that.
The game really came alive in the second half, though, with Banraplang Nongsteng getting the best chance for Nangkiew Irat but his shot went off the goalkeeper back onto him and over the crossbar from close range.
Two minutes later Fridison bagged the opening goal, neatly placing it past goalie Surjay Kumar Pariyar’s left.
Fridison was in the thick of the action several times after that but could not squeeze the ball past Surjay again.
In the 65th minute Nangkiew Irat had Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait sent off for a belligerent foul with a direct red card and his coach Joseph Naik also went into the book for his angry protests.
Laitkor sought to make their advantage in numbers count but they were often a little reluctant to take shots even when in good positions.
Substitute Banskhem did not suffer from his hesitancy, however, and after he broke up the left flank in a counterattack, he proved brave enough to have a go and aimed the ball past Surjay and into the net.
Later Michaelson Kurbah (20’) gave Nongthymmai the lead before Langsning’s Laldanmawia (40’) headed in the equaliser.
Dajiedlang Wanshnong (47’) then put Langsning in front but Ronald Singh Shaikhom converted a penalty (61’) to again level the scores.
After end-to-end action, it all came down to John Lalrinawma (90’+1), who scored by beating the keeper to a long ball. Unfortunately, the custodian, Banshngainlang Masynting had to be stretchered off the field because of the collision.
Arkwis Wanniang put in a cross from the left that sailed over the heads of a couple of defenders and which Michaelson then just had to tap in at the far post.
Nongthymmai were unable to hold the lead going into the break, however, as Laldanmawia headed in a corner kick delivered by Malsawmdawngpuia.
Malsawmdawngpuia was the provider for Dajiedlang’s goal too and that gave Langsning a fillip. However, Nongthymmai threw everything they could and earned a penalty through a handball, which Ronald converted.
Tomorrow promises to be an absolutely mouthwatering day of action, with Rangdajied United FC to face Shillong Lajong FC at 2:30PM followed by a local derby between Ryntih FC and Mawlai FC at 5:30PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Nangkiew Irat in red-black, Laitkor in blue)
