SHILLONG: The same two teams met within six days but the outcome was no different. Lajong FC and DSK Shivajians played out another 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture of the Hero I-League at the JN Stadium in Shillong tonight.
Unlike the last tie, it was the hosts who rallied to equalize tonight in arguably the most intensely contested home match for the Reds in the season so far.
It was Pierrick Dipanda Dica who headed one home at the stroke of the hour. However, Lajong restored parity within 15 minutes through a Boithang Haokip left-footed brilliant free kick from the edge of the box to deny DSK Shivajians their first away win in the Hero I-League.
Both Lajong and the DSK Shivajians squandered quite a few opportunities in the first 45 minutes of the game under the cold conditions in Shillong.
DSK Shivajians threatened to take control in the very first minute when Israil Gurung was fouled against just outside the box. However, the subsequent free kick by Douhou Pierre landed safely and Lajong custodian Vishal Kahit had little to worry.
Post this, it was the hosts who began to call the shots. In the 9th minute, a Uilliams Silva shot towards the nets was brilliantly saved by Prosenjit Ghosh, who took upon the duty in the absence of Subrata Paul who got injured in their last match.
Fabio Pena smashed one on the side-netting as the DSK Shivajians back line heaved a sigh of relief.
In the 26th minute, Uilliams was again denied by Proenjit who was in the middle of a great Hero I-League outing. The Brazilian’s shot beat two defenders but could not pierce through the rival custodian who made yet another diving save.
Fabio missed another train to glory when he misplaced a shot from a tight angle on the right in the 38th minute. The Brazilian hit across the face of the goal to send the ball wide on the left.
Crossing over, DSK looked more determined and clear with their intent and they got their reward right at the hour-mark. After being fed by a scintillating cross from Juan Quero, Dica headed it home to make it 1-0 for his side.
In the 74th minute, the Reds cancelled DSK Shivajians’ lead through a Boithang Haokip free kick which was awarded to them following a challenge by Haroon Amiri on Penn Orji just outside the box. The hosts came very close to double the lead four minutes later but Orji wasted the opportunity from inside the box. With only the goalie to beat from close range, Orji smashed one high to the dismay of the home supporters.
With the draw, DSK Shivajians leapfrog Salgaocar FC to the eighth spot with 6 points and Shillong Lajong surge up to the fourth spot with 11 points.
