Lajong on song in Mumbai’s rout
Trinidadian striker Cornell Glen shot a brace as Shillong Lajong FC hammered a lackluster Mumbai FC 6- 0 in their ILeague clash at Cooperage ground here on Friday.
Nigerian experienced forward Penn Orji, midfielder Zodingliana Ralte, substitutes Williams Souza Silva and Ongnam Milan Singh also found the net as the visitors moved two rungs up to the eighth spot with 10 points in as many games. Mumbai FC suffered second successive defeat and stay at seventh spot with 12 points in 11 games. Climax Lawrence played for the first time for Mumbai FC at Cooperage in place of injured talismanic Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugae. But Lawrence was no match for Taisuke as the hosts lacked creativity in the mid- field putting pressure on strikers Josimar da Silva Martins and Mohammed Rafi. After a cautious start from both sides, the visitors made the first attack in the 16th minute with Orji releasing a smart through ball for Glen but defender Chika Wali made a crucial clearance to avert the danger.
But Glen was celebrating in the 20th minute after he found the back of the net on Seiminlen Doungel cross. Goalkeeper Nidhin Lal had earlier committed fully towards his left after Robin Gurung made an attempt on goal. The ball was seemingly going wide but Lal coming back after injury thought otherwise to make a diving save only to find Doungel in way.
After the break, the hosts made a desperate attempt for goal but the visitors averted danger and launched a quick counter. Zodingliana Ralte made it 3- 0 from shooting from edge of the box in the 48th minute. Three minutes later, Glen made 4- 0 as the Mumbai defence was in tatters. In Barasat, Sony Norde and Katsumi Yusa struck one each as Mohun Bagan downed Salgaocar 3- 1 to maintain their stronghold atop the table.
The second- half saw all the four goals as Denson Devadas gave Mohun Bagan the lead ( 51st) but within a minute the Goans brought the game on an even keel through Augustin Fernandes.
Bagan, however, grabbed the lead in the 70th minute through Katsumi. Norde ( 85th) then gave Bagan a commanding lead.
On Saturday, Dempo will meet Sporting Clube de Goa in Fatorda while Pune FC will take on city rivals Bharat FC in Balewadi.