Pune FC, Lajong settle for draw

The spectators at the Balewadi Sports Complex here experienced a soccer treat on Saturday when Shillong Lajong and Pune FC were locked 2-2 in an action packed encounter in the 20th Round of the I-League.

Brazilian Williams Souza Silva of Lajong had a good day at office as he scored a brace in the 26th and 70th minute. For the home team, Gabriel Fernandes and Mirjan Pavlovic netted one each.
Apart from Lajong supporters who gathered in large numbers, Maria Rebello – who created history being the first woman to officiate in I-League – pulled in a lot of crowd too.

It was Mirjan Pavlovic's move which saw the host forge ahead in the 14th minute. The Australian, who was threatening upfront made a move but was tackled by Lajong skipper Minchol Son when the unmarked Gabriel Fernandes tapped the ball into the empty net as goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte was out of position.

Silva levelled the scoreline in the 26th minute. His pile driver from outside the 25 yard barged into the net with the goalkeeper having no clue about it.

Lajong went 2-1 up in the 70th minute when Silva shot again. But Pavlovic scored the all-important goal for the hosts at injury time.

The teams garnered a point each but there was no change in the points tally. Pune FC (30) and Shillong Lajong (25) are stationed in the 2nd and 5th positions respectively.

Stopwatch: Pune FC 2 (G Fernandes 14, M Pavlovic 90) drew with Shilong Lajong 2 (Ulliams 26, 70); Mohammedan Sporting 0 drew with Mohun Bagan 0; Bengaluru 3 (S Chhetri 56, 90, R Singh 61) bt Churchill Brothers 0; Dempo 4 (T OZbey 17, 30, Beto 19, C Miranda 26) bt Sporting Goa 0;

Playing today: Salgaocar vs Mumbai FC; Rangdajied United vs United SC

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