Shillong, Sept 18: Hamingbert Nongbet struck twice as Laitkor ended their poor run of form with a much-needed 2-1 victory over Sawmer in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here on Friday.
Hamingbert found the net in the 18th and 63rd minutes, scoring both goals with headers, while Bickyson Kharkongor struck for Sawmer in the 38th minute.
The defeat denied Sawmer an opportunity to move to the top of the standings, leaving them fourth with nine points. Laitkor, meanwhile, increased their tally to six points but remain ninth and in the relegation zone. However, they are now just one point behind the four teams immediately above them, who are all tied on seven points.
Despite Laitkor’s struggles this season, Hamingbert has remained one of their standout performers and once again made the difference, although Sawmer’s defending also left plenty of room for the striker to exploit.
Hamingbert gave an early indication of his intent in the sixth minute when his powerful effort narrowly missed the target. Soon after, Shanborlang Thangkhiew came agonisingly close to producing a spectacular goal, with his long-range strike from around the centre circle crashing against the crossbar.
Laitkor eventually took the lead in the 18th minute. Balajiedlang Lyngwa delivered a cross towards the far post, where Hamingbert threw himself forward to connect with a diving header and direct the ball into the net despite the defensive pressure.
Sawmer responded with opportunities of their own. Michaelson Kurbah fired narrowly wide in the 30th minute before Diego Khyriem made a dangerous solo run into the Laitkor half. However, goalkeeper Hukumskhem Marbaniang, making his first SPL appearance of the season, raced out of his box and produced a well-timed tackle to stop him.
Sawmer levelled in the 38th minute through Bickyson, moments after he had missed a flying volley. Mark Wanswett’s close-range effort was well parried by Hukumskhem, but with both Bickyson and the Laitkor goalkeeper converging on the loose ball, it fell directly to the Sawmer player. Bickyson reacted quickly, sliding in to make contact and turn the rebound into the net.
The teams went into the break level, but Laitkor needed less than 20 minutes of the second half to regain their advantage.
Wadskhem Marbaniang sent a cross into the box from the right and an unmarked Hamingbert leaned forward to head the ball home in the 63rd minute, completing his brace and restoring Laitkor’s lead.
Laitkor held on for the remainder of the contest to secure three valuable points and give themselves a boost in their battle to move away from the relegation zone.
The SPL will resume on Monday, when bottom-placed Mylliem take on seventh-placed Meghalaya Police at 3pm.
