Shillong, Nov 8: Rangdajied United FC got the win they so desperately wanted but only after having to slog it out with Nongrim Hills SC in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 with 1-0 the result.
Dibormi Kassar struck a rebound into the net for Rangdajied in the 87th minute.
The win, their second, sees Rangdajied jump from seventh place to fourth in the points table, while Nongrim Hills drop from sixth to seventh.
The first half was scrappy from both sides, with many clashes at close quarters. However, the second 45 minutes was more free flowing but both sides lacked in finishing, especially Rangdajied, who had the bulk of the chances.
The pressure finally told on Nongrim Hills, though, and after one shot was blocked from the right flank, the ball popped up as a rebound that Dibormi made no mistake with.
Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew was called on to make a couple of superb diving saves for Rangdajied during the match. The first he pulled off in the 38th minute to deny Nickhil Lyngkhoi and in just before half time the goalkeeper denied a Mebanshan Suting blinder that took a slight deflection.
RUFC had far more chances in the second half, with substitute Manbhakupar Iawphniaw’s poor touch on the hour a classic example of how wasteful they were. Expecting a defender in front of him to head a cross away, it got past the Nongrim Hills player and fell to Manbha at the far post but his first touch was too heavy and the ball slipped out of play.
There will be a double-header tomorrow in the OC Blue SPL to close out the week, with Nangkiew Irat SC to face defending champions Mawlai SC at 1PM, followed by leaders Shillong Lajong FC versus Ryntih FC at 4:30PM.
(Shillong Sports Association photo. Nongrim Hills in blue, Rangdajied United in green-white)
