Lajong FC beat Churchill Brothers by solitary goal

***Shillong Lajong players attacking Churchill Brothers goal mouth during the I-League match on Tuesday.***

SHILLONG, DEC 10: The Shillong Lajong FC registered its third win away from home as they beat reigning I-League champions Churchill Brothers SC by a solitary goal in Mapusa, Goa during the 14^th round of the ongoing I-League match on Tuesday. Cornell Glen scored the solitary goal for the visitors helping his team to make it two wins in a row this month.

The game was favourable for Shillong Lajong FC as they were on a high note and looking to carry on their form from their last game but it was the home team who had a bright start creating a lot of chances initially.

Balwant Singh was closest to scoring after his shot in the 30^th minutes hit the post and Shabana’s rebound was put wide. Shillong Lajong had their prolific striker Cornell Glen back from injury but they were still missing the services of Captain Minchol Son and Brazilian striker Uilliams Souza Silva. The first half ended with much to think for Thangboi Singto’s men.

The visitors started the second half on a much better note than the first, creating more chances and holding better possession. Churchill Brothers still kept threatening in the second half, looking for the opening goal but it was the visitors who scored against the run of play. Cornell Glen found his 8^th goal of the season in the 71^st minutes after a cross from Seikhohao Tuboi was converted by the Trinidad and Tobago striker.

The Red’s attack was given a much needed lift after the goal as man of the match Taisuke Matsugae spearheaded the Lajong attack. The Reds almost lost their lead in the 84^th minutes after Bineesh Balan’s shot was cleared brilliantly off the line by Lalchhuanmawia Fanai. However the home team could not find a late equaliser as the final whistle went in favour of the visitors.

The win has catapult Shillong Lajong FC into third place in the I-League table with 20 points from 13 games. Churchill Brother’s title defence has now turned into a fight for survival as this loss puts them in the bottom of the table with only 7 points from 12 games.- By Our Reporter