Shillong, Sept 1: Shillong Lajong continued their unbeaten run in the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2026 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Meghalaya Police at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday.
Ricky Kharkongor (38′) and Lalmuansanga (54′) scored either side of half-time as Lajong extended their unbeaten start to four matches and handed MLP their first defeat of the campaign.
Both teams had entered the match with two wins and a draw from their opening three games, but it was Lajong who controlled the contest and exposed gaps in the Police defence with their pace and movement.
Lajong threatened early, with Freddy Jyrwa and Lalmuansanga both testing the MLP defence inside the opening 10 minutes. Galbraith Laitmon then sent a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar before MLP goalkeeper Eveningstar Bareh produced an excellent save with his outstretched boot to deny Lalmuansanga.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute. Lalmuansanga, who had moved out to the left, delivered a dangerous cross into the box, where Ricky met it with a first-time volley to put Lajong ahead. Ricky picked up an injury while scoring and was replaced at half-time.
MLP struggled to create clear opportunities in the opening period, with Aldrin Ramsiej’s effort that went wide their best chance of the half.
The Police had an opportunity to level early in the second half when they won a free-kick just outside the Lajong penalty area, but Bikram Chettri sent his effort high into the stands.
Lajong doubled their advantage in the 54th minute after a costly mistake at the back. A misplaced back pass gifted possession to Lajong, allowing Lalmuansanga to round the advancing Eveningstar before calmly guiding the ball over the line.
Lalmuansanga had opportunities to complete his brace later in the match but was unable to take them. He first miscued a volley after the ball sat up invitingly, before missing from the penalty spot after Bikram Chettri conceded a penalty for a foul inside the box. Eveningstar guessed correctly and made a sharp save to his right.
Lajong continued to threaten as the match entered its closing stages. Fridison Wanniang came close to adding a third when his powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.
MLP also came close to pulling one back, but Pynshailang L Lyngkhoi headed Rapborlang Marwein’s free-kick over the bar.
The result means Lajong remain the only team yet to concede a goal in SPL 2026.
The three points take Lajong to 10 points, making them the first team to reach double figures and putting them at the top of the provisional standings. MLP, meanwhile, drop from second to fourth and remain on seven points.
SPL action continues with a double-header on Wednesday. Laitkor will face Langsning at 1pm in the postponed fixture from August 28, while Nongkseh will take on Mawlai at 5pm in what promises to be another major test between two of the league’s leading sides.
