Langsning FC claimed a 3-2 victory in a see-saw thriller against Ryntih FC in the Shillong Premier League 2024 at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
The other match of the day ended 1-1 between Sawmer SC and Nongthymmai SC. A 31st minute penalty by Ronald Singh Shaikhom for Nongthymmai was cancelled out in stoppage time by Diego Khyriem (90’+4).
Both Langsning and Ryntih held the lead at different stages of the match. Dajiedlang Wanshnong (35’, 70’) and Ronney Chel Khongrangjem (90’+1) scored for Langsning and Dameki Khongstia (58’) and Damonlang Pathaw (63’) for Ryntih.
Dajiedlang was the go-to man for Langsning and a long ball found him on the edge of the box. He skirted around Allen Lyngdoh Nongbri and lofted the ball past Luckystar Lawai, Ryntih’s goalkeeper, at the near post for the opening goal.
Both teams were joint last in the standings prior to this match, so a comeback was on the cards from Ryntih.
They managed to equalise after Dameki took a one touch shot skidding across the surface into the bottom of the net. Momentum truly belonged with Ryntih from that point as Damonlang powerfully headed his team into the lead just five minutes later.
The momentum, however, soon slipped away as Langsning then equalised. Ryntih’s back line seemed to think they had given away a free-kick but the referee played the advantage and the defenders were slow to react, allowing Dajiedland unfettered access to the goal with just Luckystar to beat, which he did simply enough.
Langsning’s lead man should have had a well-deserved hat-trick but Luckystar denied him from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.
It then looked like we would get our second draw of the day but for Ronney’s rather lucky goal. The defender sent in a long ball that took a bounce in front of two outfield players, went over them and also sailed over Luckystar, who had come off his line, for the winning goal.
Victory takes Langsning out of the relegation zone and up to seventh place with 6 points, while Ryntih now occupy last place alone.
Earlier, Ronald converted a penalty for Nongthymmai to take the lead in the first half. Nongthymmai were hurt by the sending off of Michaelson Kurbah for a second yellow card offence in a heated second half and Diego, after missing out twice earlier, scored the leveller in stoppage time.
Nongthymmai were adept at drawing fouls in dangerous positions and a slightly reckless Sawmer often obliged, no less so than in giving away the penalty. Ronald made no mistake from the spot but Nongthymmai went into their shell at the start of the second half.
It did not help that Ronald was substituted after picking up a niggle and Michaelson’s sending off meant that Nongthymmai pulled all their men back into their own half for the last few minutes.
Their goalkeeper Roni Das was kept busy throughout the second 45 minutes and usually did a good job. Still, Sawmer had a couple of good chances but Diego aimed one wide in the 75th minute following a through ball and then headed over in the 87th.
It came down to a stoppage time melee for Diego to finally score. A poor goal kick taken by defender Khrawkupar Tamu handed the ball to Sawmer, who immediately attacked. Desperate defending saw the ball bobble around until it fell to Diego who pumped it high into the net, leaving Roni no chance.
The point leaves Sawmer in third place, now with 8 points, while Nongthymmai move up to fourth with 7.
The SPL 2024 will now take an extended break in order to provide a window for the Meghalaya state team to take part in the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy. Most of the state players will be drawn from the SPL clubs, with Meghalaya to play their first match on 20 November.
