Shillong, Sep 24: Shillong Lajong did what they set out to accomplish with a 3-0 victory against lowly Laitkor in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here today.
Freddy Jyrwa (27’), Rimankhraw Kharumnuid (63’) and Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi (77’P) were the scorers.
The win takes Lajong to the top of the standings, now with 14 points from seven games, with defending champions Langsning now second with 13. However, the latter have a game in hand while third-placed Mawlai (11 points) have two in hand.
Laitkor had lost all three of their previous meetings with Lajong in the SPL over the past few years. They never really looked like scoring today even when they created promising opportunities; their gameplay was too ragged and unrefined against a solid SLFC back line.
The day started well for Laitkor, however, after goalkeeper Deranius Wahlang flung himself in the air to deny Galbraith Laitmon’s free-kick in just the fourth minute.
However, Deranius and teammate Richarles Rani seemed to suffer a breakdown in communication later, which led to the opening goal. Lajong’s Samchaphrang Lato sent the ball forward for Freddy, who was harried by the imposing Richarles. The defender appeared to try and make space for Deranius to come and gather the ball but the keeper hesitated and that allowed Freddy to score.
In the second half Wadskhem Marbaniang took the only real shot on target for Laitkor but this was gathered by SLFC goalie Lakpa Lama. A few minutes later Laitkor counterattacked but Shaipharlin Nongsiej, after shepherding the ball into the opposition box, ran out of ideas and struck a defender in a vain attempt on goal.
Soon after Lajong were up on the left flank and, cleverly taking advantage of the situation, moved the ball across the pitch to the far side where Rimankhraw was in empty space. He took one touch to stop the ball and then fired in a scorcher to beat Deranius.
There was one more goal in the match and it came from the penalty spot. Riborlang L Lyngkhoi was bundled over in the box and Iohborlang stepped up to take the kick, which he converted.
Tomorrow eighth-placed Nangkiew Irat will take on Mawlai at 3pm. Mawlai are still unbeaten and will retake first place in the standings if they win as they have a better goal difference than Lajong (+7 to +4).
