I-League: Indian Arrows thrashes Shillong Lajong 3-0

Vikram Pratap Singh, Lalengmawia and Ninthoi got on the scoresheet as Indian Arrows beat Shillong Lajong in the I-League.

Indian Arrows players celebrate Lalengmawia's goal against Lajong.

Indian Arrows produced a dominant performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Shillong Lajong in a 12th round I-League match at the JLN Stadium here Sunday.

Arrows showed its attacking intent from the very first minute and pressed hard. It was constantly troubling the Lajong defence but a good finish eluded it.

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It took Lajong around 10 minutes to regroup and start an attack. Lajong first made an attempt to score in the 11th minute, through Kitrboklang, but failed to convert the chance.

Arrows, on the other hand, kept pressing hard and were soon rewarded in the 18th minute, when Vikram Pratap’s excellent header from an Ashish Rai cross found the back of the net, helping the visitor take a crucial lead in the game.

Lajong, thereafter, tried making a few attempts but the strong defensive line of the Arrows ensured that the host do not pose any threat of scoring an equaliser.

Arrows, which still continued with its attacks, was again rewarded in the 32nd minute when a Vikram Pratap pass was brilliantly collected by Lalengmawia, who made no mistake in giving his side a two-goal lead in the game.

Lajong made a few attempts again, breaching the Arrows defence line on a couple of occasions but a great show by goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill ensured that the visitor do not concede a goal.

Arrows showcased its dominance further when it fired the third goal in the final seconds of injury time of the first half. Ninthoi found the back of the net from a rebound after a Lalengmawia shot was beautifully saved by Shillong keeper Neithovilie.

The second half began with Lajong introducing Phrangki Buam into the attack. This resulted in more attacks from the host but the Arrows, known for its strong defence, ensured that Lajong did not get close to creating any trouble for it.

While Arrows also pressed hard as the second half progressed, the Lajong defenders denied them any clear chance to score. Lajong, on the other hand, had some really close chances.

Optea failed to find the back of the net in the 74th minute and then Buam failed to connect with the ball inside the box.