I-League: Salgaocar edge past Shillong Lajaong 2-1

Ivorian midfielder Douhou Pierre's strike proved to be the winner as a 10-man Salgaocar FC edged past Shillong Lajong 2-1 in an I-League encounter at the Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.

Scottish striker Darryl Duffy gave Salgaocar the lead in the 19th minute while Trinidadian marksman Cornell Glen equalised for Shillong Lajong six minutes later. But a heavy blow was inflicted on Salgaocar in the 23rd minute as defender Augustin Fernandes was sent off for handling the ball.

It was a pacy start from the home side as they ran into open spaces and breached the Lajong defence a couple of times but could not go ahead due to lack of proper finishing from Duffy.

Duffy made up for his lost chances with a brilliant flick past the goalkeeper as Pierre laid the ball in the Scot's path, who timed his run perfectly to latch onto the pass.

Glen, who was increasingly becoming a threat for the host's defence, almost got his side the equaliser as his reverse kick was handled on the goalline by Fernandes, who was at once given marching orders by the referee. Lajong was awarded a penalty but Glen missed from the spot as Subrata Paul made the save.

However, two minutes later Glen found the back of the net as his superb left-footer flew into the far corner to bring Lajong on level terms.

Salgaocar, despite the numerical disadvantage, surged ahead for the second time in the match in the 43rd minute, thanks to a fine effort from Pierre. The Ivorian controlled a long ball from the centre, beat his marker, North Korean defender Minchol Son and then beat goalkeeper Rehenesh T.P. to make it 2-1 just a minute before the break.

Shillong Lajong did not have too many chances in the second session and were restricted to testing Paul through long rangers. The closest anybody got to finding the equaliser was four minutes from time when Aibor Khongjee's stunning long range effort was tipped over the crossbar by Paul.