New Delhi: Indian Arrows notched their second win of the Hero I-League campaign as the young colts defeated 10-man Shillong Lajong 3-0 at the Ambedkar Stadium here Tuesday.
Jitendra Singh’s 19th minute goal, Nongdamba Naorem’s 86th minute strike and a KP Rahul goal in added on time proved to be the difference between the two sides. Lajong had been reduced to 10 men in the 60th minute after Lalrohlua was sent off.
Little did the festive season affect the Arrows and brushing aside the rust from their last 0-2 defeat against Gokulam Kerala FC, they took to the field and attacked from the whistle.
Jeakson, Amarjit and Suresh Singh’s trio in the midfield proved too hot to handle for the Lajong defence line and the three repeatedly created gaps in the opposition defence.
The aggressive paid rewards when Jitendra scored with a powerful header off a throw-in from the touchline. Lajong players left Jitendra unmarked inside the box and he took full advantage of it.
In the second half, Lajong started on an aggressive note to get the match back on even keel. A Daniel Odafin shot in the 46th minute itself flew inches over the Arrows bar. In the 57th minute off a counter-attack, Arrows could have doubled their lead, but Ninthoi’s shot from distance skimmed over the post.
Lajong’s hopes received a jolt when Lalrohlua was shown a straight red for a rash tackle on Ninthoi. The Arrows a man up took full advantage of the situation. First Rahim Ali’s shot missed the target narrowly and then Abhishek Halder who replaced Jeakson Singh in midfield shot wide.
Substitute Naorem then put the issue beyond doubt with a fine solo effort which can easily be called the best goal of the tournament so far. He dribbled past five players – all powerful and stronger than him and then beat Lajong goalkeeper Purba Lachenpa with a deft placement. Rahul then rubbed salt to the Lajong wounds with a long distance effort.
