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

Shillong Lajong FC settle for a draw at home

I-League: Shillong Lajong FC v United SC

I-League: Shillong Lajong FC v United SC

Shillong Lajong FC ended their two match losing streak after they shared the spoils with United Sports Club in the 5th Round of the I-League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after the game ended 1-1. The goals came from Eric Brown for United Sports Club and Cornell Glen for Shillong Lajong.

The first half ended goal less after both teams struggle to link up play with the forward lines even though Shillong Lajong had most of the possession. Lajong started strong with a 4th minute free kick that was put wide by Boithang. They had most of the ball in the first half and had a few chances in front of goal. United Sports Club looked sloppy without their coach Eelco Schatorrie in the dugout. Ranti Martins squandered a chance in the 33th minute after Wailad missed time a back pass to goalkeeper Vinay Singh. Eric Brown looked the only threat for the visitors.

The game was more open in the second half after consecutive chances from both sides. It took United Sports Club just 3 minutes after the re-start to put them in front. It was in the 48th minute when Man of the match Eric Brown saw his shot through the hands of Lajong custodian Vinay Singh into the back of the net. The home side then responded almost immediately in the 51st minute to put them back on level terms. Glen headed the ball in the net after a smart set piece from a trademark Tuboi long throw.

Both sides made a couple of changes with Thangboi Sinto brining on Subash Singh for Glen in the 70th minute, Samuel Shadap for Robin Gurung in the 76th minute and Milan Singh for Lalramluaha 89th minute.

The visitors on the other hand brought on Baldeep for Jayanta Sen in the 62nd minute, Snehasish for Souvik in the 72nd minute and made their last substitution in the 86th minute with Biswajit coming in for Vineeth.

The Kolkata side found their pace in the closing stages of the game after waves of attacks and Lajong responded well to counter the opposition with good attacking play.

The Reds, found the back of the net again after Tuboi flipped it over goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee but the lines man had his flag up. That was to be the last important attacking play as the game ended all square.

With this draw Lajong now have 5 points from 5 games and United Sports Club have 8 points from 5 games.