Shillong, July 27: Few expected the first Upper Shillong derby of the 2026 Shillong Premier League (SPL) to boil over the way it did, but debutants Nongkseh SS&CC and neighbours Mylliem produced a fiercely contested encounter that saw both sides finish with 10 men before Nongkseh emerged 1-0 winners at the SSA Stadium on Monday evening.
The match had been billed as a comfortable outing for Nongkseh, who strengthened their squad with six new signings ahead of the season and the upcoming 135th Durand Cup, where they will face local heavyweights Shillong Lajong FC on July 31. Many expected Nongkseh’s fiercest rivalry this season to be with Langsning FC, especially after defeating them in the final of 5th edition of Meghalaya State League (MSL) this year.
Instead, it was Mylliem who turned the contest into one of the most physical and hard-fought matches of the opening week, with tempers flaring throughout and referee G. Marwein issuing a string of yellow cards before sending off one player from each side in the second half.
The intensity of the contest also reinforced the growing depth of football in Meghalaya. Like Sunday’s league opener between Langsning and Sawmer, Monday’s clash showed that clubs without national-level exposure or marquee signings are more than capable of matching the state’s established sides through discipline, organisation and determination.
Mylliem frustrated Nongkseh for much of the opening half with a compact defensive display, limiting clear opportunities while looking to counter through Remark Kharmalki and new signing Kevizakie Ciesotsu.
However, just as the teams looked set to head into the interval level, Nongkseh found the breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time. A Mylliem defender, attempting to prevent a corner, inadvertently cleared the ball to a Nongkseh player. His shot crashed against the crossbar before Aibiangmame Nongneng (45’+7) reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and give his side a 1-0 lead.
The physical nature of the contest intensified after the restart as Mylliem pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their task became more difficult when Shaibor Nongrum was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.
The numerical disadvantage lasted only a few minutes, however, as Nongkseh’s Arlangky Nongsiej was also shown a second yellow card, reducing both teams to 10 players.
Despite the dismissals, the pace never dropped. Nongkseh continued to threaten, forcing goalkeeper Rihoklang Khongjoh into smart saves to deny Hardy Cliff Nongbri and Sheen Sohktung. Mylliem came closest through Istarbor Marngar, but Guidle Syiemlieh was equal to the effort before Aenam Jyrwa nearly wrapped up the result at the other end, only to see his delicate finish strike the woodwork.
Nongkseh ultimately held on to claim a memorable victory in their first-ever Shillong Premier League match, while Mylliem earned plenty of respect despite leaving empty-handed after pushing one of the competition’s favourites all the way.
The Shillong Premier League continues on Tuesday with Rangdajied United taking on Meghalaya Police at the SSA Stadium at 6:30 pm. Meghalaya Police return to the city’s top tier for the first time since their relegation in 2018 after earning promotion as First Division runners-up last season.
