Shillong, Jan 21: Reigning champions Mawlai SC ended the first leg of the OC Blue Shillong Premier League 2024 with a 2-1 victory over Sawmer SC at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Tuesday.
Damanbhalang Chyne (42’) and Robertson Khongriah (83’) scored for Mawlai, with Hilford Lyngkhei (48′) netting for Sawmer.
This was the last fixture of the league’s first leg, and after 45 matches every club has played nine times.
Mawlai, who have won back-to-back OC Blue SPL titles and are now chasing a third in a row, are the only undefeated team and have 25 points from eight wins and one draw. Shillong Lajong FC with 22 points are in second place, followed by Rangdajied United FC on 19. These three sides are well clear of the rest of the pack but that could all change once the reverse leg gets underway tomorrow. Meanwhile, Nongthymmai SC and Ryntih FC occupy the relegation zone.
Today, Sawmer really made Mawlai work hard for victory, with neither side giving the other too easy a time.
It took until the 42nd minute for Mawlai to break through when a move into the box saw a coming together of bodies, including Sawmer goalkeeper Freddy Albert Pathaw. That left Damanbhalang an opening and he pounced on the rebound to score.
Half time followed a few minutes later but soon after the break Sawmer had drawn level. Hilford Lyngkhei was brought on at the start of the second half and almost immediately found the equaliser; Aibanraplang Dohling was wrestled to the ground deep on the left flank and Orestar Sad took the resulting free-kick, which Hilford flicked in with a header.
The substitute had another go minutes later but this time Mawlai custodian Lambhamiki Lamare blocked him.
At the other end Freddy was kept busy as well, first to deny Fairming Suting and later to keep Donlad Diengdoh at bay.
However, he could not prevent Robertson from bagging the winner. Overkindness L Mawnai delivered a cross and the initial Mawlai attempt was blocked but Robertson bundled the rebound over the line to the relief of the Mawlai team and fans.
The second leg begins tomorrow with a double-header. Nangkiew Irat SC will take on Rangdajied at 11am followed by Nongrim Hills SC versus Langsning FC at 2:30pm.
