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Shillong Lajong FC pick up their third away win as they beat reigning I-League champions Churchill Brothers SC by one goal to nil at the Duler ground in Mapusa in a round 14 match in the ongoing I-League. Cornell Glen scored the solitary goal for the visitors helping his team to make it two wins in a row this month.
The game was favourable for Shillong Lajong FC as they were on a high and looked to carry their form from their last game into this one but it was the home team who had a bright start creating a lot of chances. Balwant Singh was closest to scoring after his shot in the 30th minute hit the post and Abdel Hamid Shabana’s rebound was put wide. Shillong Lajong had their prolific striker Cornell Glen back from injury but they were still missing the services of Captain Minchol Son from North Korea and Brazilian striker Uilliams Souza Silva. The first half ended with much to think for Thangboi Singto’s men.
The visitors started the second half on a much better note than the first, creating more chances and holding better possession against their Goan opponents. Churchill Brothers still kept threatening in the second half, looking for the opener but it was the visitors who scored against the run of play. Cornell Glen found his eighth I-League goal of the season in the 71st minute after a cross from Seikhohao Tuboi was converted by the Trinidad and Tobago striker.
The Red’s attack was given a much needed lift after the goal as man of the match Taisuke Matsugae spearheaded the Lajong FC attack. The Reds almost lost their lead in the 84th minute after T. Bineesh Balan‘s shot was cleared brilliantly off the line by Lalchhuanmawia Fanai. However the home team could not find a late equaliser as the final whistle went in favour of the visitors.
The win thus catapulted Shillong Lajong FC into their highest ever I-League position, a third place in the table with 20 points from 13 games. Churchill Brothers SC’s title defence has now turned into a fight for survival as this loss keeps them at the bottom of the I-League standings with only seven points from 12 games.
