MATCH REPORT: Lajong end NEROCA’s nine match unbeaten run with two first half goals
UNDEFEATED IN NINE GAMES were NEROCA FC before this game. They have also been unbeaten at home. Shillong Lajong lost their last game to Churchill Brothers.
Early scare for Lajong when their defence was opened up with a through ball and Subhash burst in the box. As he was about to shoot, Doe slid in and blocked the shot. Lajong in the very next minute attack with pace and Samuel's shot is saved by the keeper. It took Shillong Lajong 13 minutes to break the deadlock and it was Jagne who scored the opening goal. NEROCA threatened through Williams enjoying most of the ball as he combined with Chidi, Turkovic and Subhash up front.
Lajong added their second as Koffi guided his header over the keeper and being between two defenders to hit the inside of the post and into the net. The Lajong defence were pressurised constantly but there were no hasty clearances that led them into trouble. The half time score was two nil to the away side of Shillong Lajong. The added time pressure by the home team almost led to Nidhinlal to give away the ball but somehow managed to palm away the dangerous high ball.
After the break, NEROCA kept up their attacks but could not find the finishing touch and space to get past a solid back line. A moment of confusion surrounded the stadium when NEROCA scored through Turkovic but the referee did not blow the whistle for a goal. Williams headed pass to Turkovic saw him use his hand to put the ball in the back of the goal. Turkovic got a yellow for his antics. Lajong had a chance to score their third when the NEROCA keeper was off his line and missed to get the ball. Koffi saw the goal open, played it to Aiman but his shot was blocked. In the last ten minutes, Nedo played the ball in the middle but a sliding challenge by Lajong gave the ball to Chidi at the edge of the box. Chidi side footed the ball and just missed the crossbar.
Redeem the Lajong substitute, could have scored from the left side of the goal. He delayed his shot but before he decided to shoot again, his shot was blocked. A tiff broke out when Gouramangi pushed Rakesh as he obstructed taking a quick free kick. Yellow was shown to Gouramangi.
Two goals from Lajong ended the nine match unbeaten run of NEROCA and also handed NEROCA their first home defeat.
