I-League: Shillong Lajong FC, Aizawl FC share honours in Northeast derby

Courtesy: Twitter (‏@ILeagueOfficial)

Aizawl: Shillong Lajong FC drew goalless with hosts Aizawl FC in the first leg of the Northeast I-league derby at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here.

This was the first-ever Northeast I-league derby played in Aizawl in front of thousands of football fans in the capital of Mizoram.

The crowd had high expectations but the match did not reach the dizzy heights they had expected.

It was the home team that played well throughout the first half of the match. They had their opponents defending majority of the half with the ball mostly played in the Lajong half of the pitch.

Aizawl FC kept threatening the Lajong defence in the first 15 minutes with some good passing around the box. The home team played very confidently and were moving the ball around well. Lajong could hardly make an attacking move and did not manage to attempt a shot at goal.

Lajong striker Fabio had a collision with the Aizawl goalkeeper in the 25th minute and picked up a knee injury. He was eventually replaced by his team mate, Uilliams, who started the match on the bench. Lajong were lucky not to concede a goal in the first half, and credit goes to goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, as Aizawl FC had plenty of chances.

Aizawl FC started the second half brightly with a lot of creative attacking play. The home team maintained the same momentum like the first half and were creating a lot of problems for the Lajong defenders.

The Reds, on the other hand, played a better game in the second half, creating chances in front of the opponent's goal.

Uilliams was lively on a few occasions and could have dampened the spirits of the home supporters.