Shillong, Aug 4: Nongumlong qualified for the quarterfinals from Group A of the Shillong Sports Association’s Third Division after a stomping 6-2 win against Madanrting at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
The other match of the day saw Umrynjah pip Umlyngka 1-0 for top spot in Group B. Both sides had already secured places in the quarters before today, so this match was only to decide who came out on top of the group.
Banshemphang Nongkhlaw (39′) scored his third goal in consecutive games for Umrynjah as they finished the first round with a full 12 points.
Later, Nongumlong needed to win and did so comfortably. A goal each was scored by Marques Myrthong (8′), Nehlang Kharsohnoh (17′), Donbor Nongneng (60′), Kynpham Kharsohnoh (75′), Barry Nongneng (76′) and Lasborn Nongbri (90’+4). Madanrting did respond with two goals of their own in quick succession by Ryan D Shylla (81′) and Robert Vaiphei (82′) but it was too little, too late by that point.
Nongumlong had had the point they earned against Sanmer deducted as they were judged (based on a complaint filed by Sanmer after the match) to have fielded an ineligible player. Sanmer were thus awarded a 3-0 win. That might have put a fire in the belly of the Nongumlong players and they came out rearing to go today.
With 6 points after today’s match, Nongumlong have done enough to qualify for the quarterfinals but there are three teams on 5 points each – Pomlakrai, Sanmer and Lawmali Pyllun. Pomlakrai beat Lawmali, while Sanmer drew against both. As TSR understands the rules, this puts Pomlakrai in front on head-to-head, with Sanmer and Lawmali in third and fourth places.
There is still one more match in this group to go, between Sanmer and Madanrting, which had been postponed from 26th July. A draw would be enough for Sanmer to qualify for the quarterfinals but a win for Madanrting would make things very interesting as there would then be four teams on 5 points each.
Madanrting need a win as they are currently facing relegation if they finish at the bottom of the group. We have yet to be informed about when the Sanmer-Madanrting match will take place.
