Shillong, Sept 2: Defending champions Shillong Lajong climbed to second place in the Shillong Premier League 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Laitkor at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, here today.

Goals from Deibormame Tongper (27’) and Emanbha Marbaniang (74’) sealed the win for Lajong against a Laitkor side that went down to 10 men midway through the second half.

Laitkor almost stunned the champions in the opening minutes when Freelyson Tariang had two golden chances — his header crashed against the crossbar in the second minute and his follow-up effort from close range went wide.

At the other end, Deibormame, making his first appearance of the season, rose to meet a free-kick and headed in the opener for Lajong before the half-hour mark. Moments later, Iohbor L Lyngkhoi rattled the upright with a thunderous long-range attempt.

Although Lajong had not conceded in their first two outings, their new goalkeeper Lakpa Lepcha, also on debut, looked shaky. A misjudged punch in the ninth minute almost gifted Laitkor a chance, but he escaped unpunished.

The turning point came in the 66th minute when Richarles Rani was shown a direct red card by referee Jeffrey June Shabong for a foul in the box followed by dissent. Lajong were awarded a penalty, but Deranius Wahlang, Laitkor’s goalkeeper, dived low to his left to deny Iohborlang and smothered the rebound, sparking loud cheers from the Laitkor supporters.

However, the joy was short-lived. A defensive lapse handed possession back to Lajong, with Deibormame unselfishly squaring the ball for Emanbha to slot home and double the lead in the 74th minute.

The win takes Lajong to seven points, two behind table-toppers Nangkiew Irat (9). Laitkor, with three points, sit sixth on goal difference.

The final fixture of Round 3 will be played tomorrow, with newly promoted sides Mylliem and Malki set to clash at 4:30 pm.