I-League: Shillong Lajong score 3-0 win over league leaders Bengaluru FC

Shillong Lajong FC scripted a memorable win over table toppers Bengaluru FC in an I-League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Sunday evening. Star striker Cornell Glen scored a brace for the Reds (81st and 94th minute) after Uilliams had opened the scoring for the hosts in the 46th minute.

The big win over Bengaluru FC is just what the doctor ordered for the Reds who now move to 29 points from 20 matches. The win also helps them retain their position in the top five of the table, while Bengaluru FC remain on 37 points.

In what was a forgettable day for the visitors, Bengaluru FC were reduced to nine men after goalie Pawan Kumar (83rd minute) and Curtis Osano (90+3 minute) were each handed a red card. The Bengaluru FC custodian was punished for handling the ball outside the box while the latter fouled Lajong FC striker Tuboi in a goal scoring chance.

After a silent first half, the Reds drew first blood through a goal from Uilliams in the 46th minute. Minchol Son had spotted Glen on the right and the former Trinidad and Tobago international controlled the ball and fed Uilliams inside the box. The Brazilian striker had to negotiate a tough bounce but managed it well and muscled the ball into the net to provide the lead to Lajong FC, much to the delight of the thousands of fans gathered to support their team on a cold Shillong evening.

Glen looked set to double the lead in the 66th minute but his left-footed aim on the target was pushed away by the keeper for a corner. However, the striker made amends in the 81st minute when he ripped through the heart of the Bengaluru FC defence going past two defenders to net the second for the Reds.

The nightmare was still not over for Ashley Westwood’s side as Curtis Osano was also red-carded in added-time after an ill-timed tackle on Tuboi. Lajong FC was therefore awarded a penalty and Glen made no mistake to convert from the spot making it 3-0 for the home side.

Coach Thangboi Singto congratulated the boys for the brilliant show and added that a victory was long due for his side.

The Bengaluru FC coach Westwood on the other hand rued the missed chances which according to him led to the side’s downfall on Sunday.

After the morale boosting win over Bengaluru FC, The Reds will host Mumbai FC next on March 30 at the Nehru Stadium in Shillong at 5pm.