I-League: Shillong Lajong hold Bengaluru FC 1-1

Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC on Friday held Bengaluru FC to a 1-1 draw in their Hero I-League encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, denying the visitors a chance to top the points table.

Bengaluru drew first blood when striker Sean Rooney headed home a Eugeneson Lyngdoh corner into the net in the 45th minute.

Twenty minutes into the second half, the home side got a corner which a Bengaluru defender handled inside the box and a spot kick resulted. Uillaims Silva made no mistake in levelling the score much to the joy of the spectators.

Lajong coach Thangboi Singto made four changes to his starting line-up after striker Cornell Glen was suspended. He and injured Pritam Singh and keeper Rehenesh Singh were replaced by Uilliams Silva, Jibon Singh and Kunzang Bhutia while Milan Singh returned to add steam in the midfield.

As for the visitors, Sunil Chhetri, Sean Rooney and C K Vineeth made up the attacking trio upfront.

Both teams started on a dull note and did not make any mentionable raid for some time.

The only chance Bengaluru got before the breather was in the 34th minute when Rooney's header was brilliantly saved by Lajong keeper Kunzang Bhutia.

After resumption, Bengaluru made a breakthrough by a Rooney header after a corner kick was taken by Eugeneson Lyngdoh.

Lajong then equalised and stepped up the attack but failed to convert as many as four chances.

Uillaims had another chance through a freekick when their midfielder Boithang Haokip was brought down but his shot went over the bar.

Another clear chance for the visitors came through Eugeneson when his free kick was cleared by Bhutia in the dying minutes of the match.

Bengaluru are now on equal points with topper Mohun Bagan (32), but remain at the second place on goal difference. Lajong are now at seventh position with 17 points.