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Two Goals from Darryl Duffy and another from MacPherlin Dudu Omagbemi sealed an important home I-League victory for Salgaocar FC against Shillong Lajong FC who managed only one goal in the game via a Boithang Haokip free-kick.
It was a slow start to the game between the two sides at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco. Lajong FC, who defeated the home side in their previous two encounters this season, enjoyed possession of the ball during early stages of the match. Salgaocar FC then managed to find some momentum and Darryl Duffy was fortunate to score the first goal of the game in the 11th minute after a high ball was fumbled by Lajong custodian Vinay Singh, who thought he was fouled through obstruction by the Scottish striker, during the fumble.
The visiting team tried to get back into the game immediately when a brilliant run by Brazilian, Uilliams Souza found Cornell Glen, but the later’s shot went high above the goal. Lajong FC enjoyed more possession and in the 16th minute were almost awarded with an equalizer when a cross from Boithang was headed back inadvertently towards the bar by a Salgaocar defender.
Lajong continued to hold more possession of the ball to break Salgaocars defence, but Salgaocar looked dangerous on the counter attack and a brilliant run of play saw forward Darryl Duffy score his second goal of the game from outside the box in the 33rd minute.
The home team should have added another goal a minute later as they missed a great opportunity. The visiting team made an early change of personnel minutes before the break by bringing on Subash Singh in place of Lalramluaha. The Reds did not give up as they pushed forward creating good chances infront of the opponent’s goal. The game was end to end as both teams were thriving on attack.
Then on the 45th minute, Cornell Glen earned his team a free-kick just outside the box after he was fouled by Rocus Lamare. Free-kick specialist Boithang placed the ball beautifully in the top left corner of the goal and the score was 2-1 in favour of the home team at half-time.
Coach Thangboi Singto replaced Lajong Keeper Vinay with Mawia at the start of the second half. The Reds looked more likely to score the equalizer as they created good chances but Salgaocar keeper Karanjit Singh and his defence line stood firm. Salgaocar could hardly keep the ball as the pressure from Shillong Lajong was relentless. However, in the 59th minute, Dudu Omagbemi was provided an opportunity infront of goal and he made no mistake in restoring the two goal lead for his team.
The third goal seemed to affect the momentum of Lajong players as they lost their rhythm and failed to create any chances forward. The visiting team’s defence suddenly looked shaky as Salgaocar started to dominate the game and could have increased the lead on a few occasions. Lajong tried very hard in the final stages of the game but failed to create any worthwhile chance giving Salgaocar a well fought victory at full time.
With this win, Salgaocar FC has replaced Shillong Lajong FC in fourth place of the I-league table with now 27 points, while Lajong stay on 24 points. The Reds still remain in the top 5 though, and will travel to Pune to play their next match against Pune FC on March 8.
