SHILLONG: Goals on either half by Royal Wahingdoh FC star striker Jackichand Singh secured the three points for the hosts in a Hero I-League match against Pune FC, at the JN Stadium, here, on Sunday.
India international Jackichand struck in the 39th and 68th minutes respectively to take his side back to the top three in the standings.
After this game, RWFC are at 17 points from 10 games while Pune FC are at fourth with 16 points.
The Royals started on a dominant note and could have gone ahead in the second minute itself had not Lalmangaihsanga’s free-kick from outside the box hit the crossbar.
The Royals continued to dominate and Kim Song Yong found the net in the 19th minute. However, an off side call given by the referee meant that sides were still at 0-0.
The Royals, however, were relentless in their efforts and 10 minutes later, a powerful Jackichand shot missed the top of the bar by a whisker as another chance went down. The hosts’ perseverance was finally rewarded in the 39th minute.
Jackichand was fed by Lammangaihsanga and the striker from Manipur made no mistake to take the hosts ahead.
Lalmangaihsanga cut one back for Jackichand from the left following which the India striker beat the defence with his first touch and fired a low shot past PFC custodian Arup Debnath to send the crowd into raptures.
The goal came at a crucial time for the hosts who went into the lemon break with a 1-0 lead.
Crossing over, the Royals looked determined to extend the lead and they succeeded again when a through ball found Jackichand unmanned at 15 yards outside the box. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Jacki made no mistake to tap the ball in.
There was no looking back for the Royals since then as they romped home to a famous victory against a side which had only lost one game in the Hero I-League this season. Hero-of-the-Match was awarded to Jackichand Singh.
