Pune, India – DSK Shivajians staged a fighting comeback to hold Shillong Lajong FC 1-1 in the Hero I-League at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, in Pune on Sunday, 21st February 2016.

The visitors scored through Uilliams Souza Silva (3nd minute) before DSK Shivajians fought back through striker Aser Perrick Dipanda (59th minute). The draw helped DSK Shivajians gain a point and swell their tally to five points from eight rounds.

Playing their fourth home game on the trot, the host’s found themselves on the back-foot early as Shillong Lajong raiding their half with a host of attacks.

Three minutes into the game, Uilliams Souza did well to pick up a through ball by Samuel Lalmuanpuia on the edge of the box before finishing past ‘keeper Subrata Paul.

DSK Shivajians, respond immediately, when Juan Quero’s pin-point cross was held on by the the SLFC keeper. The visitors came close in the 14th minute when Zondingliana got on the end of a cross, but his header was just wide of the target.

The home taking time to settle, took their time and slowly kept up the pressure on the Shillong-based club for rest of the half, but was unable to break them down. Douhou, meanwhile, had an opportunity to equalize before half time, but his try was sailed over.

The first half ended with Shillong Lajong leading by a goal.

The second half began with both the teams playing aggressively. The home side pushed hard and made most of their forays into the opponents half via the livewire Juan.

Into the 55th minute, DSK Shivajians earned a free-kick on the left, when Juan was tripped by the opponent. Douhou who took the kick, sailed the ball well to the second post only to see Zohmingliana Ralte crash his header onto the horizontal.

Four minutes later, DSK Shivajians hard work was rewarded. Juan played the ball wide to Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte. Finding space, Ralte whipped in a cross which was well meat by Aser Pierric Dipanda’s header leaving the SLFC keeper no chance .

Juan and Dipanda constructed another chance in the 64th minute, but unfortunately, the ‘keeper Vishal Kaith collected safely.

Deep into the second half, the home side ‘keeper Subrata Paul showed his brilliance rushing out to thwart a Uilliams run. The save helped DSK Shivajians survive, but Paul injured himself in the process and had to be substituted.

The Pune-based club now travels to Shillong Lajong FC for a Round-9 game on 26th February at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.