SHILLONG, March 20 (PTI): Shillong Lajong FC got back to winning ways as they defeated Pune FC by a solitary goal in a round 17 I-League match here today. Playing without key players Othello Taibi, Sergey Tokob and defender Selwyn Fernandes, the visitors put up a lacklustre show in the match.
Lajong made a combined show of strong defence with occasional forays into the opponent territory. Man-of-the-match Seikhohao Tuboi scored the all-important goal with a scintillating header off a pass from James Gbilee in the 71st minute. Seconds before, Tuboi had a go at the Pune goal but the ball bounced back from goalkeeper Balaji Narasimhan�s hands.
Lajong coach Stanley Rosario opted for a strong forward combination of three foreign recruits and Tuboi.
In the 12th minute, Lajong captain Aibor Khongjee had a shot at the Pune goal from about 40 yards. Balaji fumbled to hold on to the ball, but it was cleared by the defenders before the Lajong players could reach for it. Tuboi made an attempt from near the Pune FC goalmouth, but failed to find the net. He missed another header in the 36th minute.
Lajong custodian Gumpe Rime was rarely tested but he made an impression with his quick possession everytime the ball neared the goal. The visitors frittered a chance in the dying minutes when the Lajong defence were caught unawares but Douhou Pierre failed to capitalise on it.
