Shillong Lajong 2-1 East Bengal: Lajong come from behind to dent the Red and Gold's Championship challenge

Shillong Lajong upturned a one goal deficit to win the encounter against East Bengal 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex in Shillong. Tolgay Ozbey put East Bengal ahead in the 4th minute while John Menyongar (12th min) and Eugeneson Lyngdoh (16th min) scored for the home side.

Before the two teams had time to settle into the match, Tolgay Ozbey put East Bengal ahead in the 4th minute with a magnificent solo effort as he dribbled past three defenders before beating the Shillong custodian Soram Poirei easily.

However The Red And Gold were hit back almost immediately when in the 12th minute, John Menyongar equalized after he got the ball off a deflection, from a Matthew Mayora free kick.

It was a quickfire double from Pradyum Reddy's side as just 4 minutes later, Eugeneson Lyngdoh got on the score-sheet after he fired the ball in, from a C Lallawmzuala cross.

The second goal gave the home side immense confidence, as they dominated the proceedings but it was Trevor Morgan's side who could have equalized had Robin Singh picked out a pass to the unmarked Tolgay in the 33rd minute. His tame shot was easily saved by Poirei as the young striker went for the wrong option.

The second half started with a bang as Mayora could have added to Shillong's advantage but his shot stayed out after striking the post.

Although East Bengal pressed for an equalizer the Shillong back-line held firm and on the counter Tuboi had a good chance in the final ten minutes of the match but he placed his shot right into the hands of the grateful Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

With the defeat at the hands of the resurgent Lajong side, East Bengal lose precious points in their aim to catch Dempo at the top of the table. Bitter rivals Mohun Bagan have leapfrogged them to second spot with their win.

Shillong Lajong now have 27 points from 20 outings while East Bengal stays at 35 points from 20 matches.

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