Shillong Lajong FC drew goalless with host Aizawl FC in the first leg of the North East I-league derby at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here today.
This was the first ever North East I-league derby played in Aizawl in front of thousands of football fans in the capital of Mizoram.
The crowd had high expectations but the match did not reach the dizzy heights they had been hoping for.
It was the home team that played well throughout the first half of the match. It had the opponent defending majority of the half, with the ball mostly played in the Lajong half of the pitch.
Aizawl FC kept threatening the Lajong defence in the first 15 minutes with some good passing around the box. The home boys played very confidently and was moving the ball around well. Lajong could hardly make an attacking move and did not manage to attempt a shot at goal.
Lajong striker Fabio had a collision with the Aizawl goalkeeper in the 25th minute and picked up a knee injury. He was eventually replaced by his team mate, Uilliams, who started the match on the bench. Lajong was lucky not to concede a goal in the first half, and credit goes to goalkeeper Vishal Kaith for keeping it level with the home side.
Aizawl FC started the second half brightly with a lot of creative attacking play. It maintained the same momentum like the first half and was creating a lot of problems for the Lajong defenders.
The Reds, on the other hand, played a better game in the second half, creating chances in front of the opponent’s goal.
Uilliams was lively on a few occasions and could have dampened the spirits of the home supporters. But the match ended a stalemtate.
Comments
SHARE