I-League: Salgaocar beat Shillong Lajong 3-1

Salgaocar scored a convincing 3-1 win over Shillong Lajong to move to fourth place in the 18th round of the I-League, played at Tilak Stadium here on Friday.

Salgaocar, who led 2-1 at half time, scored through Darryl Duffy (11th, 33rd) and Dudu Omagbemi (59th).

Shillong Lajong, who came up with a better performance in the second half, reduced the margin in the 45th minute.

Salgaocar, with their straight win, moved to fourth place with 27 points from 17 matches, while Shillong Lajong remained on 24 points from 17 matches and are placed fifth.

Both the teams started on a cautious note and Salgaocar, who were looking for opening, took the lead in the 11th minute.

After the setback, Shillong Lajong made attacking moves but could not get clear chances even as Uilliams Silva and Glen Cornell came with half-hearted attempts at the goal, which rival keeper Karanjit Singh saved.

Dudu, who was kept quiet by the rival defenders, suddenly sprang a surprise and led a pass to Darryl Duffy inside the box who turned round and let go a rasping drive that found the net.

Shillong Lajong reduced the margin at the stroke of half time when they earned a free kick on top of the box after Rocus Lamare fouled Glen Cornell.

After the change of ends, Shillong Lajong coach Singto replaced keeper Vinay Singh with Lalthuammawia Ralte and pressed hard in search of the equaliser.

Salgaocar, who soaked up the pressure with their defenders putting up a solid display, came with a counter moves and went ahead in the 59th minute.

Dudu initiated the move on the right flank as he laid a pass to Francis Fernandes, who sent a goalmouth cross into the box where a rival defender tried to clear the ball which fell on the path of Dudu Omagbemi, who pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a left-footer that found the net.