Shillong, Nov 28: An action-packed second half stoppage time in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 saw Sawmer SC snatch a 2-1 victory with a last-gasp goal by Mebanjop Warjri only around 60 seconds after Ryntih FC thought they had secured a draw.
Rheadolf Nongneng Daloi had put Sawmer ahead in the 13th minute at the SSA Stadium here and the team held on right until the end when Allen Lyngdoh Nongbri’s (90’+3) long ball fortuitously bounced over the Sawmer goalkeeper Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar for the equaliser. However, Ryntih must have let their guard down because just after the restart Sawmer pushed up and super substitute Mebanjop (90’+4) tapped in a cross for a sensational end to the game.
This was the first match of the sixth round and was Sawmer’s third win of the season. Victory pushes them up to second place with 11 points but they have played more matches than the clubs around them. Despite showing some glimmers of improvement, Ryntih were consigned to their fifth defeat and they remain at the bottom of the standings with 3 points.
Ryntih actually had the best chance to score in just the sixth minute after Sawmer were penalised for a handball in the box but Pyrshanbanbha’s excellent diving save kept the scores level.
Rheadolf looked like he was aiming a cross at Bickyson Kharkongor but the ball was deep and went into the net, with perhaps a deflection off a defender.
More golden chances were missed by Diego Khyriem of Sawmer and Basuklang Bina and Wanshanlang Dkhar of Ryntih, all from close range, before the first half ended.
Later, in the second half, Pyrshangbanbha made another terrific save to deny Dameki Khongstia from a free-kick just outside the box. The Sawmer custodian actually had a solid day under the bar except for that glaring misjudgement that led to Ryntih briefly equalising.
Sawmer will be back in action on Monday when they take on Shillong Lajong FC at 11:30AM. That match will be followed by Laitkor SC versus Langsning FC at 2:30PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Ryntih in black, Sawmer in red)