Shillong Lajong FC defeated Mumbai FC 6-0 in an I-League match played out at The Cooperage in Mumbai on Friday. Cornell Glen scored a brace while Penn Orji, Zodingliana, Uilliams Souza and Milan Singh scored a goal each for the high scoring Reds.

Shillong Lajong FC started the match with Brazilian Uilliams Silva on the bench, while host Mumbai FC were without Japanese star Taisuke Matsugae due to an injury.

The first chance of the match went to the visitors from Shillong when they broke on the counter but Cornell Glen’s shotwas too weak. Both teams were struggling to settle into the match as there were no great chances created on either half. Lajong midfielder Joseph picked up an early yellow card in the 11th minute.

As the match progressed, Mumbai FC had more possession of the ball. However, Lajong striker Cornell Glen, who is currently in great form, placed his named on the score sheet when he scored a goal in the 21st minute. Then in the 24th minute, Penn Orji doubled the lead for Lajong after placing the ball into the back of the net.

Lajong gained more possession and confidence after scoring two goals in quick succession. Interestingly, Lajong are the first team to score two goals against Mumbai FC at their new home ground.

Mumbai tried to get back in the game as soon as possible but their chances were wasted as most of the shots flew over the bar. Mumbai FC made their first substitution in the 40th minute when they replaced Climax Lawrence with Milagres Gonsalves. The first half ended 2-0 in favour of the visitors.

The second half started with a bang as Lajong increased the lead when youngster Zodingliana scored the third goal for the visitors in the 47th minute. It was goals galore as Cornell Glen scored his second goal of the match in the 51st minute and Lajong were leading by four goals already.

It rather became an impossible mountain to climb for the host as Lajong were piling the pressure and creating chances. Mumbai FC replaced Nicholas Rodrigues with Rohit Mizra while Lajong replaced teenager Joseph Lalfakzuala with Uilliams Silva. Mumbai FC’s attacking duo of Milagres and Josimar worked hard to get their side back to the game but Lajong stood resilient at the back and goalkeeper Rehenesh TP worked equally hard for Lajong not to concede a goal. Cornell Glen was replaced in the 71st minute by David Ngaihte. The host were having a very bad day as they could not break through the Lajong defence.

Lajong punised the Mumbaikars even more as they went all out attack and ended the match with two more goals scored in quick succession. Uilliams Souza and Milan Singh scored a goal each in the 91st and 93rd minute.

The final whistle was blown to the relief of Mumbai FC and the visitors emerged victorious with six goals to none in their favour. It was a very well deserved win for Lajong who now stand in 8th position in the I-League table with ten points from ten matches. Mumbai FC are still on 7th position with twelve points from eleven matches.

Mumbai FC will travel to Bengaluru to play their next match on April 7, while Shillong Lajong FC will travel to Kolkata to play their next match against league leaders Mohun Bagan AC on April 8.