Shillong, May 16: Nangkiew Irat SC produced a dominant display to thrash Maram FC 7-1 in the quarterfinal round of the 5th Meghalaya State League Group B at the SSA Stadium on Friday, with Neblejohn Lyngkhoi scoring the first hat-trick of the quarterfinal stage.

Langsning FC also maintained their perfect run in the tournament, defeating Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC 3-0 to register their ninth consecutive victory.

In the first match, Dibinroy Nongspung gave Nangkiew Irat the lead in the 15th minute before Seiborlang Tado equalised for Maram six minutes later with a low strike.

Nangkiew Irat regained control after substitute Sandy Kharkongor headed home in the 27th minute following an injury to Banshanlang Dhar. Sandy later turned provider for Neblejohn Lyngkhoi, who scored with a header in the 39th minute to make it 3-1 before halftime.

Neblejohn added his second in the 57th minute from a through ball by Sangti Janai Shianglong and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 66th minute. Ronaldkydon L Nonglait added another in the 83rd minute before Neblejohn struck again in the 87th to seal a comprehensive victory.

The result marked Nangkiew Irat’s first win of the quarterfinal stage after losing their opening fixture to Shkenshynriah, while Maram suffered their second straight defeat.

In the later match, Langsning continued their impressive form with goals from Donlad Diengdoh, Kyrmenskhem Mukhim and Nelson Rymbai.

Donlad opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a volley from Kyrmenskhem’s cross before setting up Kyrmenskhem for Langsning’s second goal in the 40th minute. Donlad, however, picked up an injury during the move and was replaced by Nelson Rymbai, who later headed in Langsning’s third goal from a corner in the 59th minute.

Shkenshynriah created several chances, including a goal-line clearance denying Rihokmi Tyngkan late in the first half and a save by Langsning goalkeeper Nister Roy Suting to stop Alwinson Bareh shortly before the third goal.

Following the results, Langsning lead Group B with six points. Shkenshynriah and Nangkiew Irat both have three points, though Shkenshynriah remain second due to their head-to-head advantage despite Nangkiew Irat’s superior goal difference.

On Monday, Rangdajied United FC will take on Mawlai SC at 2pm in Group A, while Shillong Lajong FC face Nongkseh SSCC at 6pm in a crucial clash between the top two sides.