Mawlai SC and Rangdajied United FC started the new year with victories in the Shillong Premier League 2024 but went about it in contrasting ways at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
Defending champions Mawlai had to overcome staunch resistance by Laitkor SC to win 1-0 thanks to a solitary strike by Baiaikara Swer (82′), while Rangdajied made it look easy in a 4-0 victory over Nongthymmai SC earlier – Owanijuh Pajuh (1’), Benny Khriam (41’) and RT Hanson Pdang (88’, 90’+4) were the scorers.
Laitkor refused to be overawed by their more illustrious opponents and rarely let Mawlai to get in close to make attempts on goal. The energy was different in this game compared to the earlier one, with the presence of more fans in the stands lending itself to some terrific action on the pitch.
A slight misjudgement by Laitkor goalkeeper Deranius Wahlang around half an hour into the game saw a long ball bounce over him as he came off his line to collect it but Mawlai were unable to punish their opponents for this. In the second half, Moonstar Nongsiej almost had Laitkor in front but he pulled a shot just wide after working his way into the box.
Later, Mawlai were denied by the woodwork following a corner kick and it took a shot from the edge of the box by Baiaikara to finally break the deadlock with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. Laitkor then ended the game with 10 men after Euvasius Mawthoh was sent off with a direct red card. The men in blue appealed loudly for a handball in the box but the referee waved play to continue. Euvasius’ temper got the better of him, however, and something he said or did in reaction was serious enough for the referee to whip out the red card immediately.
Victory puts Mawlai back at the top of the standings with 16 points and they maintain their unbeaten streak. Laitkor may feel they deserved a penalty but the fact remains that they have not scored in three of the last four games and need to find goals. Rangdajied’s victory means that Laitkor dropped a place to seventh.
Earlier, Owanijuh scored some 50 seconds into the match versus Nongthymmai as he headed in a cross with no trouble at all. He then set up the second goal with a pass for Benny, who finished it off neatly.
Nongthymmai were never really able to mount a challenge, though Ronald Singh Shaikhom came close twice, first by being denied by the fingertips of stand-in RUFC goalkeeper Meshan Banjop Sumer and then by hitting the upright.
Super sub Hanson wrapped up a successful day for Rangdajied by scoring twice at the tail-end of the match, tapping in from close range on both occasions.
After two defeats to begin the SPL 2024, Rangdajied have now won four in a row, kept clean sheets in all of these games and are now in fourth place on 12 points. Despite being Nongthymmai’s fourth defeat, this was only the second match this season that they have not scored at least one goal. They remain tied on 7 points with Langsning, who are placed in front thanks to a better head-to-head record.
The next fixture will take place between Shillong Lajong FC and Nongrim Hills SC at 2pm on Monday.
