Shillong, Nov 4: Nongthymmai SC are experiencing some real momentum in the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 after they powered to a 3-1 win against crowd favourites Laitkor SC at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Monday.
Ronald Singh Shaikhom (4’P) and Michaelson Kurbah (36’, 54’) scored for Nongthymmai, while Fridison Wanniang (38’) offered hope for Laitkor.
Nongthymmai had won their first match of the season 3-0 against Nongrim Hills SC last week, while Laitkor were riding a two-game winning streak before Monday. An early foul led to a penalty, with Ronald Singh Shaikhom converting it with ease to hand the advantage to Nongthymmai.
Laitkor nearly had the equaliser in the 22nd minute but a powerful shot rattled the crossbar. Instead, it would be Nongthymmai to score again, this time with Michaelson getting his first after a bad back pass opened the way up for him to beat the goalkeeper and toe the ball over the line.
That did not crush Laitkor’s spirits, however, as Fridison headed in a cross from the left flank to reduce the margin just two minutes later. This was his third goal in as many matches and he has shown himself to be an exceptional talent in the making, busy in attack, the midfield and even dropping back to the defence when required.
Despite the support of the heavily partisan crowd, Laitkor went into the break trailing 2-1 and Michaelson would go on to restore Nongthymmai’s two-goal lead within 10 minutes of the restart with a stunning long-range effort that rocketed into the back of the net. This was the 50th goal scored of the OC Blue SPL 2024 and Michaelson’s fourth in three games; he is now second in the race for Top Scorer.
There was plenty of time-wasting after that but even with more than eight minutes of stoppage time Laitkor were unable to find a way back into the contest. They had a good shout in the 82nd minute but a brilliant reaction save from Nongthymmai goalie Roni Das with outstretched arms smothered the chance.
The next match will be a mouthwatering clash between Shillong Lajong FC and defending champions Mawlai SC at 5 pm on Tuesday.
