NEUFC bring Lajong crashing down 3-0

Shillong: Since the afternoon, all roads in Meghalaya were virtually leading to the Nehru Stadium in the capital, buzzing with anticipation of another giant-killing act. Once again, Lajong FC had all the noise and a 16000-odd crowd inside the stadium made it quite intimidating for the visitors to breathe. Once again, the stage was set for the home team to go for another kill, after stunning East Bengal FC four days ago.But Lajong’s youthful exuberance and promise could take them only thus far as NorthEast United FC came and brought them crashing down to earth with a 3-0 win on Monday.If Lajong’s fairytale run in front of their proverbial 12th man ended with a whimper, NorthEast United’s march to the Durand Cup final here on Monday was immensely credible. This was their night, make no mistake. They not only beat Lajong in their own den but trumped them in their own game as well. It was NorthEast United, who made all the right noise in the Meghalaya capital. Goals from Thoi Singh (13 minutes) and Alaeddine Ajaraie (33) set them on way to making their maiden final of a major national tournament inside the first half. Late substitute Parthib Gogoi wrapped it up for the Highlanders as they now prepare to travel to Kolkata to face the winners between Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC for Aug 31 summit clash.NEUFC coach Joan Pedro Benali was aware of the kind of reception his visiting team would receive from the stands. For the first 10 minutes, Lajong were all over the park, prodding and probing the rivals at will. But NEUFC didn’t make the mistake of East Bengal by allowing themselves to sit back and soak up the pressure. NEUFC believed in their quality and made it count at the right time. They killed the game as a contest with two delectable moves in the first half. On the first occasion, a cheeky Ajaraie back-heel sent Jithin MS clear on the left. The latter stormed the box unchallenged and squared it for Thoi to slide the ball in.That early goal calmed the visitors’ nerves and gave them a spring in their steps to control the game. For the second one, it was Nestor Albiach’s wonderful chip which found Ajaraie clear through down the middle. The Moroccan’s first attempt with the goalkeeper standing at his mercy, was denied the woodwork, but he got up quickly to snap up the rebound. The assistant referee initially flagged his second attempt as off-side but referee Crystal John, after consulting with his assistant, awarded the goal in the Moroccan’s favour.Lajong huffed and puffed, but their poor penetration was never enough to disturb the visitors, who came calling again at the death and Gogoi silenced the partisan crowd for the third time.

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