Shillong, Aug 22: Nangkiew Irat defeated Shillong Lajong 2-1 in the Shillong Premier League at the JN Stadium here today.
Shano Tariang (21’) and Banshan Nongdhar (56’) scored for Nangkiew, while Mahesh Naorem pulled a goal back via a 77th minute penalty for Lajong.
Before today Nangkiew hadn’t beaten Lajong since 2014 in the SPL. They started as the less assured side today, with Lajong absolutely dominating the 90 minutes. Two lazy mistakes, however, saw the three-time champions concede silly goals and they were only able to find a goal thanks to an equally silly penalty giveaway.
The opener came about after a Nangkiew free-kick landed just in front of Lajong goalkeeper Bishal Lama, who fluffed his collection, giving Tariang the opportunity to smash in the rebound.
A breakdown in defence in the 56th minute then allowed Nongdhar to easily head in a cross from Damehun Syih to make it 2-0.
Nangkiew goalie Monlang Shylla had a good day, making two or three quality saves, but his attempt to steer a ball into his area in order to pick it up saw a Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi sneak in and steal the ball away. Shylla then rugby-tackled Kynshi, giving SLFC a penalty, which Mahesh converted.
On Saturday Ryntih are scheduled to face defending champions Langsning at 3:30PM.
(TSR photo. Shillong Lajong are in red, Nangkiew Irat in white)
