Mawlai SC put in a commanding performance to win 6-0 in their Shillong Premier League 2024 match against Nangkiew Irat SC at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here today.
The earlier fixture was also high-scoring, with Sawmer SC prevailing over Nongrim Hills 4-1.
Kevin Rymbai (47’, 58’, 90’+3P) produced a hat-trick for Mawlai, who returned to form after a lacklustre draw against Langsning FC the last time out. The other scorers were Overkindness L Mawnai (42′), Banraplang Pyngrope (51’) and Donlad Diengdoh (90’+1). The win saw Mawlai retake first place in the standings from Shillong Lajong FC with 32 points to 29.
Victory for Sawmer led to them seizing seventh place from Nongrim Hills. Bickyson Kharkongor (25’), Aibanraplang Dohling (31’), Shanmeiaki Warlarpih (42’) and Diego Khyriem (59’) sealed the resounding win, though a late penalty gave Alem Khongwir (87’) and Nongrim Hills a measure of consolation. Sawmer now have 15 points and Nongrim Hills 14. They are just behind sixth-placed Nangkiew Irat (16 points).
After two shots were denied by the woodwork, Mawlai found the breakthrough late in the first half with Overkindness striking a free-kick on the edge of the box over the wall of defenders. Goalkeeper Rihoklang Khongjoh dived and got his gloves to the ball but could not stop it from crossing the line.
If Nangkiew Irat sought to make a comeback in the second half, Mawlai soon made it clear that there was no chance of that. A miss-pass saw Kevin take the ball and strike a left-footer past the diving Rihoklang and four minutes later Banskhem Mawlong’s inch-perfect cross was shepherded over the line by Banraplang.
Then, a long period of Nangkiew Irat possession showed that they were able to hold the ball well and craft and opportunity to strike, even if it ended in a Mawlai goal kick. Straightaway, however, the Lambhamiki Lamare sent the ball to Damanbhalang Chyne in the midfield and he, in turn, fed it to Kevin and he was able to go one-on-one with the keeper and pick up a second goal with his right boot. Kevin then turned provider for substitute Donlad Diengdoh, who headed in Mawlai’s fifth, and Kevin completed the rout – Nangkiew Irat’s heaviest defeat this season – with a penalty conversion as the last action of the match.
This was Nangkiew’s sixth match without a win (though the previous four were all draws). Mawlai, meanwhile, are still unbeaten this season and they are the first club to reach 10 victories.
Before today Sawmer had not won any of their last seven OC Blue SPL 2024 fixtures. Things clicked in place perfectly for them this time, with three goals in the first half.
Bickyson headed in the first, Aibanraplang took a one touch shot for the second and a graceful curling attempt by Shanmeiaki from the edge of the box led to Sawmer taking an insurmountable three-goal lead in the pace of just 16 minutes. They were to net just one more goal, with substitute Diego Khyriem meeting a through ball, outrunning the defenders and dribbling past the keeper before scoring. Nongrim Hills’ penalty was far too late in the day to make much difference, though they did at least lessen the blow. This was the fifth consecutive game in which they have not won and also saw them drop just one place above the relegation zone.
The next SPL 2024 matches will take place on Saturday. In the first, Rangdajied United FC will take on Langsning at 11am, followed by Nongthymmai SC versus Sawmer at 2:30pm.
