Shillong: Hosts Shillong Lajong rallied from a goal behind to hold United SC to a 1-1 draw in the fifth round of the Airtel I-League here at the JLNS Stadium in Shillong on Saturday (October 19, 2013).
The match started with the Reds controlling much of the ball and they almost got their noses in front, courtesy of an opportunity coming across Trinidadian forward Cornell Glen. However, he could not capitalise the opportunity, much to the dismay of the home supporters.
United though, were also lively in their attacks and kept the pressure on the hosts with a good display of total football. Lead by Eric Brown, the visitors’ backline looked firm and steady to keep out the Reds from scoring. The first half ended with neither team troubling the scorers.
The second half resumed with renewed vigour from United SC and they were rewarded for their efforts, when Eric Brown unleashed a scorching left footer past a hapless Vinay Singh to put the visitors in front, in the 48th minute. The lead was all but momentarily though, as the Reds responded instantaneously, in the 51st minute, when Glen headed in a perfect ball to make it 1-1.
Shillong Lajong coach Thangboi Singto then brought on Milan Singh and Subhash Singh as his team surged on to find the much needed winner. United SC, though, with coach Elco Schattorie watching from the stands, defended with grit and intelligence, as they thwarted Lajong’s all out offensive play.
Finally, after a see saw final five minutes of the match, the referee blew his whistle to end the game as it started, with both teams having to share the spoils and the points.