It was goal feast for hosts Real Kashmir FC just before setting out for tough away journey as they outplayed Shillong Lajong FC 6-1 goals at TRC Turf Ground here on Tuesday.
Playing its last of the six consecutive matches on home soil, Real Kashmir completely outplayed the visitors Lajong FC who have been out of sorts in the league so far this season in front of home fans on a chilly December day. This 3rd consecutive home win for Real Kashmir in the league has pushed them to third place on points table with 13 points.
Though everyone expected Real Kashmir to emerge winner against underperforming Lajong FC but no one would have expected the goal feast as Real Kashmir pumped in six goals against the North- East side.
Real Kashmir coach David Robertson fielded unchanged side while as Lajong FC coach, Alison Kharsyntiew made two changes to the side which started against Neroca in the previous game.
From very start of the game everyone in the field got the hint what to expect from the game as Nagen Tamang, who later clinched man of the match award, got the first chance of the game as early as in the third minute when he hit straight to keeper Neithovilie Chalieu from close range.
Real Kashmir scored first of the six goals scored in 25th minute of the game when host’s popular striker Ivorian Krezo sneaked through the Lajong FC defense and sent beautifully towards Ghanaian Abednedo Kofi Tetteh in the box. Kofi tapped it past Neitho for it to go in, getting a touch off defender Rakesh Pradhan on its way. It was Kofi’s first goal since joining Real Kashmir FC.
Three minutes later, Shillong got lucky as they scored equalizer. Aibanbha’s long ball from deep inside the Shillong half was finding its towards Kashmir keeper Bilal who mistakenly struck a chasing Samuel Lyngdoh and the ball went into Real Kashmir net. The score was equalized 1-1. It was lucky goal for the Lajong FC and only happy moment in entire match. The misery that followed was too much to bear for them as they went on to concede five more goals.
In the 37th minute Mason Robertson on a corner of Surchandra Singh, rose to connect with a perfect header to beat Lajong keeper and make it 2-1 in favour of Real Kashmir.
They extended lead in the 42nd minute when Bazie Armand caught Shillong on the break and made a run forward. He found Kofi on the left flank. The Ghanian striker played it to Nagen Tamang who had got inside the box with a wonderful run. Nagen controlled the ball, turned to face the goal and curled a right-footer past Lajong FC keeper into the far corner for his first in a Real Kashmir colors. At half time Real Kashmir were leading by 3-1 goals.
The second half began on similar lines with Real Kashmir charging towards Lajong FC goal.
Krizo almost added a fourth at the beginning of the second when a snapshot from him beat Neitho and hit the bar, just two minutes into the half.
Minutes later Krizo did find his second goal of the I-League. Real Kashmir were awarded a penalty when Aibhan was adjudged to have brought down Krizo inside the box. The Ivorian easily beat Lajong keeper to make it 4-1. The punishment continued as in the 74th minute, Surchandra Singh made it 5-1.
Seeing game going in his favour, Robertson introduced changes, giving rest to his top players and sending in local stars Shahnawaz and Danish alongwith Ritwik Kumar. Surchandra, Nagen Tamag and Krizo were given rest.
Only minutes into the game, Shahnawaz made his presence felt by giving a fine assist as Real Kashmir scored sixth goal. He set Kofi perfectly with a cross from the left who neatly headed in.
It was dominating outing by the home side against Lajong FC who have now conceded 22 goals in the league this season.
Real Kashmir will now be on away journey for around two months with six games to be played before coming back for another home game. They will play first away game against Gokulam Kerala FC on December 15.