Ten men Shillong Lajong beat DSK Shivajians in a 5 goal thriller

by Chittu Shetty May 13, 2017

Another 3-2 result awaited Shillong Lajong but this time on a winning note as Thangboi Singto’s side ensured themselves a fighting chance in the race to semi-final

A late goal from Samuel Lalmuanpuia gave a crucial win for Thangboi Singto side as the north easterners kept themselves in semi-final hunt only to be disappointed later in the day as Bengaluru FC managed a draw against Mohan Bagan to enter semi-finals of the federation cup

DSK Head coach Dave Rogers started with six U-22 players in a 4-3-3- shape with Rohit Kumar, Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Vanlalremkima forming the midfield. While Thangboi Singto put in a 4-2-3-1 formation bringing in Alan Deory in the midfield alongside Rupert Nongrum and Redeem Tlang. Samuel Lalmuanpuia continued operating as the lone striker up-front.

In a dismal first half show, neither team managed to capitalise on their chances with DSK Shivajians coming the closest to making it 1-0. Towards the end of the first half, 19-year-old Lallianzuala Chhangte stormed into the Lajong defence before sending a lobbed ball past keeper Vishal Kieth. The ball hit the woodwork twice, once on the left then on the right on re-bounce before being eventually collected by Lajong custodian.

Also Read: Second string Aizawl holds East Bengal as both sides confirm semi final spot

After a goalless first half the second half was lit up with goals, Alan Deory’s(49’) strike early in the second half put Lajong in front, following a couple of missed one-on-one chances inside the box by Lallianzuala Chhangte, Substitute Holicharan Narzary soon made it 1-1 in the 68^th minute when he took his time to make space for himself and whacked the ball past the Lajong defence.

Minutes later Lajong were back in front when Redeem Tiang slotted one home from Alan deory cross after Subrata Paul came off his line to collect the ball and missed. Shillong were soon down to ten men when Vishal Keith was shown the red card for a poor tackle. Soon Narzary once again came to the rescue for the Pune-based side with a stunning late equaliser from the edge of the box in the 86^th minute.

As the game seemed to move towards a draw, Samuel Lalmuanpuia’s goal in the 92nd minute gave Lajong a fighting chance to make it into the semi-finals. The tie ended in a 3-2 result which meant 3 sides then having three points each in Group B, however later in the day Blues managed to sneak out a draw as both Mohan Bagan and Bengaluru FC entered the semi-finals sending both Lajong and DSK out of the competition.