Real Kashmir hammer Lajong in I-league clash
SRINAGAR: Debutants Real Kashmir FC inflicted a tennis scoreline on Shillong Lajong FC, running away 6-1 winners in an I-league clash at the TRC Turf ground here on Tuesday.
With their fourth win out of seven league games, Kashmir soar to third spot on the points table, level with second-placed Churchill Brothers on points but a tad behind on goal difference.
Kashmir’s goals were scored by Ghanaian forward Abednedo Kofi, who got two for himself, Mason Robertson, Nagen Tamang, Gnohere Krizo and Surchandra Singh.
Samuel Lyngdoh got Shillong Lajong’s l one goal as the Meghalaya outfit remained at 10th place after eight games with just four points to show for their efforts.
Nagen Tamang, the star of the match, got the first chance of the game as early as the third minute when he hit straight to keeper Neithovilie Chalieu from close. It was a sign of things to come.
In the 25th minute, Ivorian beanpole striker Krizo bulldozed his way past two defenders into the Shillong box from the left and squared it beautifully for Ghanaian Abednedo Kofi Tetteh, who tapped it past Neitho for it to go in, getting a touch off defender Rakesh Pradhan on its way.
VISITORS CRUMBLE
Three minutes later, Shillong got a fortuitous equaliser when Aibanbha’s long ball from deep inside the Shillong half was finding its way harmlessly towards Kashmir keeper Bilal, but his first-time clearance struck a chasing Samuel Lyngdoh and entered the Kashmir net.
It was the coach’s son Mason Robertson who then put the hosts ahead once again in the 37th minute when off a Surchandra Singh corner, he rose to connect with a perfect header to beat Neitho and bulge the Shillong net.
Kashmir extended their lead further in the 42nd minute when Bazie Armand caught Shillong on the break and made a run forward. He found Kofi on the left flank who played ahead to Nagen Tamang who had got inside the box with a wonderful run.
The Kurseong forward controlled the ball, turned to face the goal and curled a rightfooter past Neitho into the far corner for his first in a Kashmir yellow.
In the second half, Krizo scored off a spot kick before Surchandra and Kofi piled on Lajong’s misery with goals late in the game.