THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Shillong Lajong FC go down to Salgaocar FC

Federation Cup

Federation Cup

Salgaocar FC beat Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in a 36th Federation Cup 2015 match today at the Tilak Maidan, Goa. Bikash Jairu and Gurjinder Kumar scored the goals for Salgaocar whilst a deflected shot by Jacob earned the only goal for Lajong in the final minute of the game.

Both teams were looking to have a good result today after losing their first respective Group B matches. Salgaocar enjoyed a lot of possession from the start and could have taken the lead on a couple of occasions in the first quarter of the half.

Lajong were predominantly on the back foot as the Goan side dominated the majority of the first half but were denied a goal several times by the young Lajong custodian Vishal Kaith. Lajong who were struggling to keep the ball, had to replace Durga Boro with Lalrammuana near the half hour mark due to an injury. As neither teams managed to score, both teams were level at half time.

The second half kicked off in similar fashion for Salgaocar FC as they continued to create a lot of chances and even hit the woodwork. Lajong worked hard to press forward but did not manage to make any impact.

In the 58th minute, Vishal Kaith was finally beaten when Bikash Jairu beat the offside trap and scored with his left foot. The goal brought more energy into the game as Salgaocar FC keeper Subrata Pal was forced to make his first real save for his team after a swift attacking move from Lajong.

Salgaocar however doubled the lead in the 67th minute through Gurjinder Kumar who nodded the ball into the net from a corner. The young team from the North East did not give up as they kept pressing hard for a comeback and created more chances forward.

The Reds were eventually awarded a consolation goal in the dying seconds of the game as Jacob’s shot was deflected by a Salgaocar defender and the ball landed inside the goal.

The match ended 2-1 in favour of Salgaocar FC but it was a well fought match for Lajong. The Reds will play their next Federation Cup Group B match against Bengaluru FC on the January 2 at the Tilak Maidan, Goa at 16.00 IST.