EMN
Dimapur, February 19
Rangdajied United FC were held to a goalless draw by Green Valley FC in their first away match of the I-League U-19 North East Zone at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Courtesy of the draw, both Rangdajied and Green Valley are now on 1 point each from 2 matches. Shillong Lajong, with two wins are at the top of the table, followed by Royal Wahingdoh with 3 points.
Desperately needing a win to close-in the gap with city rivals, the Junior Blues went all out in the attack right from the start, making their intention very clear. It was Steven Sohktung, who had the first sniff at the goal in the 7th minute, when he unleashed a scorcher from 30 yards, just to be tipped over by the Green Valley custodian.
The host responded immediately and nearly pushed Rangdajied on the backfoot, when Rudra Boro's effort from just outside the box missed the far post by inches. For Green Valley, that was their only chance in the first half.
But Rangdajied continued to pressed and dominated the match. Banshanlang Nongdhar and Bobbystar Malngiang controlled the midfield and created chances after chances for the strikers to squander it away.
Mebanshan Suting was also a victim of missing easy chance when he just had the goalkeepr to beat. But his first touch was so hard that the goalkeeper managed to reach the ball before him.
The 2nd half also witnessed similar actions with Rangdajied controlling the game for most part but unable to do what matters most - Score a goal.
Towards the end, Rangdajied goalkeeper was once put to test when a free kick from the danger area was curled in. He had to drive full length to keep the ball away.
In few minutes time after that, the final whistle was blown and Rangdajied had to be content with one point. However, if Rangdajied are to progress to the final round of the junior I-League, they cannot effort to drop any more points.
The Blues next play Shillong Lajong in what will be their first home game.
