Bharat FC go down 3-1 against Shillong Lajong FC

A disappointing evening in Shillong ended with Bharat FC conceding three second half goals to go down 3-1 against Shillong Lajong FC in the Hero I-League round 10 (rescheduled) fixture at the Nehru Stadium, Shillong. The Lions would be gutted after having taken the lead in the fifth minute but three goals in the second period in the space of 20 minutes put paid to their hopes of leaving Shillong with any points.

The result sees the Lions drop down two places to eighth in the table with 18 points from 18 games. Shillong Lajong FC move up to sixth place with 20 points from 18 matches.

Omar Jarun scored the opener for Bharat FC in the fifth minute before Cornell Glenn’shat-trick in the 53rd, 72nd and 77th minute sealed the points for Lajong FC.

On a cool evening in Shillong, the Lions got off to the perfect start when Omar Jarun poked home an accurate Syed Rahim Nabi free kick in the fifth minute. The goal seemed to add wind to Bharat FC’s sails as Manjit Singh sent a scorcher towards the goal in the 11th minute. The forward’s strike from 25 yards swerved away at the last minute, as Kunzang Bhutia was left stranded.

Four minutes later it was Romuald Boco’s turn. The Beninese midfielder, strode towards the edge of the box and fired a rising drive. The shot clipped the side netting on its way out, narrowly missing the target.

Shillong Lajong seemed to slowly grow into the game as Uilliams Souza’s powerful shot was saved in the 24th minute by an alert Arindam Bhattacharya. However, Lajong seemed to stutter, as Bharat FC packed the midfield, dictating play with their two central midfielders protecting the back-four.

In the 34th minute, the Lions had a chance to put the game to bed. Subash Singh was released by a clever long ball from Gouramangi Singh and the striker cut past Khelemba Singh and keeper Kunzang Bhutia with ease but inexplicably directed his shot into the side netting with the goal at his mercy.

Ten minutes later, Subash had another wonderful opportunity. Released by Manjit Singh down the center this time, the striker dribbled for too long, holding on to the ball allowing Nim Dorjee Tamang, the right back, to close him down.

In the second half, it was all Shillong Lajong FC as the home side raced out of the blocks. In the 53rd minute, a long ball punted into the Bharat FC box caused confusion and Cornell Glenn took advantage to accurately slot the ball past Arindam for the equalizer.

The hosts kept on pushing and were rewarded with the lead in the 72nd minute. Zodingliana Ralte found space on the right wing, playing in Penn Orji. The Nigerian attacker cut inside the box, going past the covering Ravanan before cutting the ball back for Glenn to smash home.

The third Lajong goal arrived just five minutes later with the Trinidad and Tobago international, Glenn, firing off a fierce 25-yard effort which flew into the top-right corner.

Bharat FC had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 79th minute when substitute G Vignesh was sent in the clear. The  midfielder though waited for support, allowing the Lajong defence to regroup and thwart the danger.