Shillong Lajong FC pulled off a stunning display extending their unbeaten run at home to six games beating Salgaocar FC with a triumphant scoreline of 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Friday.

Both teams started the match with possession football and not really creating any chances up front. Shillong Lajong FC in particular were given a huge setback as three of their key players were not available for the match. Uilliams who carried a knock in the game against Bengaluru FC did not start. His strike partner Cornell Glen and Lajong’s captain Minchol Son were also ruled out for this match with ankle injuries.

The injuries though did not affect the team’s performance as Lajong drew first blood in the 22nd minute through a brilliant left-footed strike from Seikhohao Tuboi. A beautiful pass from the wing found Tuboi on the edge of the box. Tuboi took his first touch exquisitely which then set up his shot that went past Salgaocar’s custodian Karanjit Singh into the side netting. The lead gave The Reds a much needed push as they nearly found their second in the next minute as Lajong’s header was headed off the line. The Reds were on the front foot again and found their second goal in the 38th minute. Subash Singh dribbled through the Salgaocar defense and Karanjit Singh could not do anything to stop Subash’s shot. The Reds went into the break with a two goal cushion and much to think for Salgaocar manager Derrick Pereira.

The second half started in similar fashion as the first with both teams not creating any clear cut chances. The away side then gave Lajong a slight headache when they found their first goal in the 52nd minute. The goal came out of nowhere as Darryl Duffy towered over Lajong keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte and headed the ball into the net. The goal though didn’t prove to be much of a catalyst as Salgaocar still struggled to find their pace. The Reds were living dangerously towards the end as Salgaocar kept pushing for the equaliser but Pereira’s men were unsuccessful as The Reds finished the game on a winning note.

With this win Shillong Lajong FC have 17 points from 12 games and are currently placed in fifth position in the I-League table while Salgaocar FC slipped to 4th place with 18 points from 12 games.