I-League 2018-19: How has Shillong Lajong’s all-Indian squad gamble worked?

#4 Derby results evenly poised

The North-Eastern Derbies are always a fiercely contested encounter

The North-Eastern Derbies are always a fiercely contested encounter. Involving teams always try to outdo each other and matches often turns violent because of that.

Shillong Lajong, for many days, have been the only team from the north-eastern part of India. But Aizawl FC’s introduction in the I-League three years ago meant the stage was set for a north-eastern derby.

With NEROCA FC coming to the scheme from last year, the excitement has only grown further.

Lajong have always had the upper hand in derbies. Against Aizawl FC, they have never lost a match, while winning three of them. Against NEROCA FC, they have lost twice and won one match.

They have already played both the first leg derbies this season. In their opening encounter against Aizawl, Lajong won 2-1 courtesy two fine goals from Naorem Mahesh Singh.

Against NEROCA FC, the inexperience was exposed as they conceded two soft goals to lose the match 1-2.

Both their opponents have some established foreigners in the ranks. Considering the performance of the young lads, the management should be hopeful before the return leg comes.