Shillong Lajong FC registered a 1-0 win over Royal Wahingdoh FC and displayed a stunning performance in a lively U-19 I-League encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Tuesday. Captain Redeem Tlang scored the only goal of the match to ensure his team to walk away with three points.

Shaiborlang Kharpan, who scored both the goals for Lajong in their opening match against Rangdajied United, was replaced by Shanbor Jyrwa early on during the match due to an injury. Shillong Lajong coach Alison Kharsyntiew made only one change from his last line-up and brought on Zodingliana.

Both teams struggled to gain the upperhand in the opening stages but the game came back to life in the 20th minute when the Reds gained possession and added immense pressure on their opponents.

However the young Royal Wahingdoh custodian Kenio Lyngkhoi was beaten when Redeem Tlang chested the ball into the net courtesy a Bipin Singh cross and gave his side the well deserved lead in the 29th minute.

The Junior Reds came close to double their lead in the 35th minute when Rupert Nongrum made a good run down the left flank and placed a perfectly timed ball to Zodinliana but unfortunately his shot went just few inches wide.

It was in the second half that Royal Wahingdoh gained a foothold in the game and had a couple of chances but Lajong’s backline proved to be too strong and thwarted all their attempts on goal.

Wahingdoh understandably fought hard to open their account and the players were seen playing in the box more often and the Shillong Lajong custodian Nitin Meel was tested in the 80th minute but the experienced U-19 keeper made no mistakes to deny Wahingdoh’s equaliser.

The Junior Reds held on to their lead till the referee blew the final whistle and are at the top of the group table with six points while Royal Wahingdoh FC are placed second with three points from two matches.

Shillong Lajong will play their next match on the February 26 against Rangdajied United, who will be hosting the match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.