Shillong, Oct 8: An Alem Khongwir brace helped Mylliem clamber out of the relegation zone after a 4-1 victory over Nongrim Hills in the Shillong Premier League 2025 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here this evening.
Alem (36’, 50’), Remark Kharmalki (65’) and Kevin Kurkalang (83’) scored for Mylliem and Bansynshar Kharshong (41’) for Nongrim Hills.
Victory lifted Mylliem to eighth place with 8 points. They are tied with Laitkor but it is the latter who have head-to-head advantage. Nongrim Hills, meanwhile, will definitely be relegated at the end of the season. They have provided plenty of entertainment but have earned just 1 point and cannot escape the drop zone even if they win both of their remaining fixtures.
The action was fast-paced despite the sluggish pitch conditions caused by heavy rainfall earlier in the day.
Alem was a little lucky with his first goal after he failed to connect cleanly after a ball was crossed from the right flank. However, his volley was accurate enough to beat Nongrim Hills goalkeeper Kitboklang Marbaniang.
Nongrim Hills found the equaliser just five minutes later, though, when Bansynshar came up from his left-back position for a series of three corners. It was off the third that he scored, as he leapt up to head in Banshemphang Kurbah’s delivery.
Alem had a strong left-footer blocked by Kitboklang early in the second half but went on to score a couple of minutes later with his shot taking a minor deflection before going in.
Remark then had an easy tap-in after Mylliem penetrated and dominated the left flank, while Kevin got down low to head in a cross, again from the left.
Nongrim Hills’ best chance was in the 69th minute when Caldolan Kharmawphlang struck the woodwork. The ball rebounded perfectly for him but his header lacked placement and was collected by Mylliem goalie Rihoklang Khongjoh.
An unusual moment occurred in the 76th minute when a Nongrim Hills defender sent a back-pass to Kitboklang while under pressure from Mylliem in the box. However, the keeper was unable to kick it away in time and, in order to prevent the ball crossing the goal line, stopped it with his gloves, leading to an indirect free-kick. However, Mylliem failed to properly follow the indirect free-kick rule and wasted the opportunity to score another goal.
The SPL 2025 action now enters its crucial phase with the finish line in sight. Defending champions Shillong Lajong lead the standings on head-to-head against Mawlai, while further down the order Sawmer are fifth in front of Rangdajied United based on H2H as well. Mylliem’s victory today cast Malki down into the relegation zone with two games for them to fight their way up.
Round 8, the penultimate round, will begin tomorrow with Rangdajied facing Mawlai at 4:30PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Mylliem in red, Nongrim Hills in yellow/black)