By Arka Dyuti Palit

AIFF Media Team

SHILLONG: Eastern Sporting Union continued their winning run in the Hero Indian Women’s League 2017-18 with a 3-1 victory over India Rush Soccer Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here in Shillong on Saturday (March 31, 2018)

Kamala Devi struck twice before half-time (7^th and 27^th minute) before Dalima Chibber pulled one back for Rush in the 86^th minute. Ranjibala struck late in the 90+3^rd minute to round off the goals.

Eastern Sporting dominated from the word go as Prameshwori made her famous runs down the left. One of those runs brought the breakthrough as Kamala was at the receiving end of one of her crosses to score in the 7^th minute.

Kamala saw an overhead kick saved by the keeper in the 19^th before Sweety found Ranjibala in the clear in the 24^th. The second goal arrived soon after when Kamala struck again in the 27^th to make it 2-0.

Ranjibala shot wide in the 37^th before Prameshwori too did the same a minute later. Panthoi who was otherwise a mere spectator was finally forced into save by Grace in the 43^rd. That was the only bit of clear chance by Rush as the first half came to an end.

The second half began on a similar note as India Rush found it difficult to get the ball past the halfway line. Kamala layed one off to Thahenbei but she shot wide. India Rush won a free-kick in the 72^nd but that didn’t give much headway.

Just when it seemed no goals were left in the match, Dalima scored from 40 yards out. Her free-kick was spilled by Panthoi as she fumbled and the ball crossed the line to make it 2-1. But Eastern Sporting Union never looked in any discomfort as Ranjibala scored late into added time to complete the win.

Eastern Sporting Union will now face Gokulam Kerala FC on the April 2, while India Rush SC will take on KRYHPSA the same day.