Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
Related Articles
Shillong Lajong FC had a lucky escape to get a point against a Minerva Punjab FC side that totally dominated the game but had no luck in front of the goal. Even with more than 30 shots, Minerva Punjab FC’s players hit everything except the back of the net. The crossbar and the posts won Shillong a point in otherwise a very
dull display from the last year’s champions.
Minerva Punjab FC started the game with constant attack from the right flank but Shillong Lajong FC kept the composure to restrict Minerva to few shots on target in the first 30 minutes. However, Minerva Punjab FC’s constant pressure in the opposition half led to Lajong FC’s Aman being sent off in the 42nd minute for his second yellow card offence within 5 mins. With Shillong Lajong FC down to 10 men, Chothe was brought on to replace Luntinmang for Minerva Punjab FC in 43rd minute. The change immediately proved worthy as Chothe’s shot was good enough to beat the keeper but only to be denied by the crossbar.
Minerva Punjab FC started the second half started as they had finished the first one. Lajong FC’s defence was beaten many times but Minerva Punjab FC’s poor finishing saving the day for them. Chothe and Denzil showed great chemistry to set up each other with Thoiba being the master architect. Right at the 50th minute,
Denzil was set free by Thoiba with a perfectly placed through ball but Denzil could only manage to hit the post.
Lajong FC’s desperate defending was clearly visible when Khyriem, was given marching orders for a straight red card offense in 82nd minute. Shillong Lajong FC played out the last 10 minutes with every man behind trying to save the goal. Minerva Punjab FC did manage shot after shot but the crowded Shillong Lajong FC defence didn’t offer much space.
The game ended at 0-0 with Minerva Punjab FC dominating the game and doing everything right except getting the ball in opposition’s net. Shillong Lajong FC would consider themselves very lucky to have survived this scare from the young Minerva Punjab FC side.
Minerva Punjab take on Reliance Foundation Young Champs in their next fixture on January 30.
