Federation Cup 2014-15: Pune FC beat Shillong Lajong 3-1 in a Group B encounter
The second group B match of the Federation Cup 2014-15 was played today between Pune FC and Shillong Lajong FC at the Tilak Maidan in Goa. The Shillong Outfit took an early lead in the first half courtesy a goal from teenager Lalrammuana but Pune FC came back from behind to win the match by a score line of 3-1- with goals from Anthony D’Souza, Arata Izumi and Eric Brown to seal victory for the Red Lizards.
Lajong FC gaffer Thangboi Singto fielded a young and dynamic team comprising of local talent from the North East region only, without any foreign players. Youth Academy Product, Lalrammuana, made his senior team debut in this year’s Federation Cup and scored the opener for his team in the 16th minute which is also the 18 year old’s first senior team goal.
Lajong could have doubled the lead on a few occasions but could not capitalise on their chances. Pune FC however created plenty of chances for themselves and kept pressing forward in search of the equaliser. It was in the added minutes of the first half that Pune FC utilized their chance brilliantly when Sueoka played a through ball for his team mate, Anthony who struck it well past the Lajong custodian, Kunzang Bhutia. The score remained levelled at 1-1 at half time.
Pune FC enjoyed more possession of the ball in the second half and created more chances to take the lead. Their persistence was rewarded in the 66th minute when Arata Izumi scored off the rebound. Pune were looking to put the game to bed with another goal whilst Lajong worked hard to get back into the game. However, in the 92nd minute, Eric Brown from Pune FC took a shot from the edge of the box after dispossessing the ball from the Lajong defence and found the back of the net. The Match ended 3-1 resulting in three points towards Pune FC. Lajong will play their next Federation Cup match against Salgaocar on the 31st of December at 4pm in Tilak Maidan, Goa.