Lajong draws with Aizawl

SHILLONG, FEB 13: Shillong Lajong FC drew goalless against Aizawl FC in the first leg of the North East Derby I-League encounter held on Saturday at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.

This was the first ever North-East I-league derby played in Aizawl in front of thousands of football fans in the capital of Mizoram. The crowd had high expectations but the match unfortunately was not in favour of goal scorers.

It was the home team who played really well all throughout the first half of the match. They had their opponents defending majority of the half with the ball mostly played in the Lajong half of the pitch.

Aizawl FC kept threatening the Lajong defence in the first 15 minutes with some good passing around the box. The home team played very confidently and was moving the ball around really well. Lajong could hardly make an attacking move and did not manage to attempt a shot at goal.

Lajong striker Fabio had a collision with the Aizawl keeper in the 25th minute and picked up a knee injury. He was eventually replaced by his team mate, Uilliams who started the match on the bench. Lajong were lucky not to concede a goal in the first half, credit to goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, as Aizawl FC had plenty of chances.

Aizawl FC started the second half brightly with a lot of creative attacking play. The home team maintained the same momentum like the first half and was creating a lot of problems for the Lajong defenders.

The reds on the other hand played a more improved second half than the first by creating their chances in front of the opponent’s goal. Uilliams was lively on a few occasions and could have dampened the spirits of the home supporters.

The match ended with no goals scored and the home team had to settle for a draw under the new coach Jahar Das. Lajong have earned themselves a point after some great goalkeeping by Vishal Kaith, as the team gets their first point of the away matches played so far this season.

Lajong will travel back to Kolkata to play their next away match against Mohun Bagan on February 17.-By Our Reporter