Shillong Lajong
A view of the match between Shillong Lajong and Rangdajied United players. Image - Shillong Lajong FC website

Shillong Lajong advanced to the finals of the Shillong Premier League 2018 after defeating Rangdajied United on Wednesday by a 2-1 margin at the JN Stadium in Shillong.

Both Shillong Lajong and Rangdajied United entered Wednesday’s game with the intent to go all out for the victory.

The Reds, however, had many chances in the game and it was after the 30th-minute mark that they made several good moves upfront. In the 35th minute, Parvaj Bhuiya, sent a good cross to Rony from the right side of the edge of the box but the Rangdajied defender headed it away to safety, stated the match report available on the official website of Shillong Lajong FC.

Another chance for Lajong came in the 36th minute when Bonison met a corner with his head but the ball went just inches wide.

In the 45th minute of the first half, another corner kick chance, Novin Gurung had a free header but it was saved by the RUFC goalkeeper.

Rangdajied United found the back of the net at the stroke of half-time but it was flagged for offside by the assistant referee.

It was in the second half of the match when Lajong found the back of the net. Parvaj was brought down inside the box and Allen Lyngdoh stepped up to take the penalty and successfully converted it to give Lajong a 1-0 lead in the 67th minute.

In the 69th minute, Lajong youngster Parvaj Bhuiya’s shot at goal hits the crossbar which fell back for Kynsai Khongsit for an easy header to give Lajong a 2-0 lead.

Rangdajied United managed to pull one back in the 75th minute when B. Lariang scored from inside the box.

Shillong Lajong had a couple of more chances in the remaining ten minutes of the match. Robert Khongjoh made a good run from the left and brilliantly cut in but his shot was saved by the keeper.

A few minutes later, Robert was brought down near the edge of the box and Lajong were awarded a free kick. Damiki Khongstia took the free kick but his shot was just a few inches wide of the left post.

In the end, the referee blew the final whistle and Lajong won the game with a 2-1 margin to advance to the finals of the SPL, the match report added.