Lajong script 3-2 win over Shivajians in thrilling I-League tie

Shillong Lajong beat DSK Shivajians 3-2 in a rip-roaring I-League football encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex here on Saturday.

Issac Vanmalsawma (14th minute), Samuel Lalmuanpuia (53rd) and Redeem Tlang (90th) scored for the visitors while Milan Singh (58th) and rookie Pranjal Bhumij (63rd) netted for the visitors.

The result saw Lajong move to 23 points from 14 games while Shivajians stayed eighth having 14 points from 15 matches.

After a barrage of attacks by the home team, Lajong took the lead against the run of play. Vanmalsawma toe-poked a ball inside the Shivajians box with the ball sailing past a diving Subrata Paul.

Before the goal, Shivajians came close through Holicharan Narzary and Seityasen Singh as Juan Quero set both up beautifully only for Vishal Kaith to come off his line at the right time.

At halftime, Lajong led by a solitary goal.

Eight minutes into the second period, Samuel doubled Lajong's tally. But their joy was shortlived as Milan pulled one back soon after.

The comeback for the hosts was complete when Bhumij vindicated coach Dave Rogers' faith in him by taking off Quero in the 55th minute.

Bhumij scored after brilliant work by Seityasen down the left-hand side. After cutting into the box, Singh's ferociously driven ball was within Kaith's reach but the keeper palmed it as far as Bhumij who netted his first league goal.

But there was a final twist in the game when substitute Tlang scored the winner in the second half injury time.

--IANS

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