AIFF Media Team

SHILLONG: It was double trouble for Bengaluru FC as they sunk to their second defeat in Shillong in the current Airtel I-League season, losing 0-3 to Shillong Lajong FC on Sunday (March 23, 2014).

The match sprung into life in the 46th minute with Lajong’s Brazilian recruit Uilliams Souza Silva scoring the opener for the hosts and Cornell Glen providing another two later on.

There was some good action in the first session, with Boithang Haokip delivering a low corner kick early on, but Redeem Tlang’s smart flick went out off a Bengaluru player. 

Deep into the half, former SLFC player Johnny Menyongar rattled the crossbar with a powerful smash from long-range in the 41st minute, while Sean Rooney later fired the ball over the bar.

Uilliams lifted his teammates and the large crowd with his goal 50 seconds after the restart. Minchol Son passed the ball to Glen, who was stationed on the right, and the Trinidadian then produced a measured ball forward for the Brazilian striker. Uilliams' job was made a little difficult by an awkward bounce, but he muscled the ball across the line off the crossbar.

Although the table toppers were also playing better football as well, their efforts were stymied by the Reds.

India Captain Sunil Chhetri had a free kick blocked by the defensive wall in the 53rd minute, while Menyongar fired the ball over the bar four minutes later.

Lajong came close to doubling the lead in the 76th minute when substitute Seikhohao Tuboi had a golden opportunity after being completely unmarked on the left and only having the keeper Pawan Kumar to beat. Somehow, the Bengaluru goalie got enough behind the ball to keep it out.

The hosts' double arrived in the 81st minute when Bengaluru's defense broke down. Usually very well marked by the bulky Curtis Osano, Glen weaved his way into the box past a couple of defenders and neatly placed the ball past Kumar.

Things then went from bad to worse for the visitors. Attempting to clear the ball outside the box, Kumar was found guilty of handling the ball and was sent off with a straight red. Rooney then made way for substitute keeper Soram Porei.

BFC were then reduced to nine men after a mix-up between Anganba and Osano. Trying to underarm it to the defender, Tuboi was alert to the opportunity, steamed in and stole the ball away. A foul in the box then saw Osano given his marching orders and Glen converted the resulting penalty to bring the match to a close.