Shillong, Sep 18: Laitkor put a run of bad form behind them to defeat Sawmer 2-1 in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here today.
Hamingbert Nongbet (18’, 63’) headed in both Laitkor goals on either side of a Bickyson Kharkongor (38’) strike for Sawmer.
Sawmer could have gone to the top of the table had they won today but instead stay fourth with 9 points. Laitkor increase their tally to 6 points but that still is not enough for them to climb out of the relegation zone and they remain in ninth position, though they are now just one shy of the four teams tied on 7 points above.
With all of Laitkor’s travails, Hamingbert has been a shining light and he shone some more today, though he was helped by some poor defending from Sawmer.
He had his first attempt in the sixth minute when he kissed the side of the net with a strong shot. Teammate Shanborlang Thangkhiew then almost produced the goal of the season with a long-range strike from around the centre circle smashing into the crossbar.
The opening goal was delivered courtesy of a Balajiedlang Lyngwa cross that Hamingbert headed in despite having to deal with a defensive marker.
Sawmer then had a couple of chances. First Michaelson Kurbah was only slightly wide with a shot in the 30th minute and Diego Khyriem then made a fine run alone into the Laitkor half but goalkeeper Hukumskhem Marbaniang, playing his first match of SPL 2026, charged out of the box and pulled off a fine tackle any outfielder would be proud of.
Sawmer levelled through Bickyson minutes after he missed a flying volley. The goal came after Mark Wanswett’s first attempt looped up into the air from close range. Hukumskhem and Bickyson went towards the ball but it was the Sawmer man who got to it first and scored, though not in the smoothest of fashions.
After the change of ends, it took less than 20 minutes for Laitkor to find the winner.
On the right, Wadskhem Marbaniang delivered the ball into the box and Hamingbert, who had no one covering him, leant forward for a fairly easy header.
The next match will take place on Monday between bottom side Mylliem and seventh-placed Meghalaya Police at 3pm.
