I-League 2018-19, Shillong Lajong 0-1 Real Kashmir: 3 Reasons why Snow Leopards beat the Reds

Real Kashmir FC defeated Shillong Lajong 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday courtesy of a 74th-minute strike by Aaron Katebe in their 2018-19 Hero I-League match. The win takes Real Kashmir to the second spot in the points table, with 25 points from 13 matches. Shillong Lajong, on the other hand, remain on the bottom of the pile, managing only four points from 13 matches.

Real Kashmir coach David Robertson made two changes to the side that held Aizawl FC as Farhan Ganie and Danish Farooq made their way for Khalid Qayoom and Nagen Tamang. His adversary, Alison Kharsyntiew, made three changes rather. Neithovilie Chalieu, Samuel Lalmuanpuia, and Sheen Sokhtung were shown the doors and Phurba Lachenpa, Phrangki Buam and Lalawmpuia Hnamte got a chance to make their name for themselves.

Both the sides started the match with a set philosophy to which they stuck throughout the game. However, these three reasons went against Shillong Lajong's favour and led to their eventual loss to the Srinagar-based side.

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#3 Starting Mason Robertson in an advanced role

Mason Robertson is a centre-back by trade but, his imposing physical figure can be a huge boon against the diminutive Indian players in the attacking forefront. Having already scored thrice, Mason Robertson started in an advanced role for the third consecutive time with Aaron Katebe filling his hole in the back.

The 24-year-old was instrumental in winning second balls when long balls were lodged from either end. In the 22nd minute, he floated a brilliant cross towards Nagen Tamang but, the former Royal Wahingdoh player couldn't keep his header on target.

In the 85th minute, he set up substitute Vicky Meitei through on goal but, the youngster failed to keep his shot on target.

#2 Shillong Lajong's passing game ineffective against Real Kashmir's aerial route

Real Kashmir's Bazzie Armand gets a free header in the centre of the part against Shillong Lajong

Shillong Lajong took the slow and steady approach of passing the ball amongst themselves in the midfield and then releasing the strikers with one incisive pass. However, the threat fizzled out in the attacking third itself as the Real Kashmir foreigners in the back, Loveday Enyinnaya, Aaron Katebe, and Bazie Armand, outmuscled them.

The Shillong Lajong youngsters are very good on holding the ball at their age, however, it is not enough as per the I-League standard. Real Kashmir FC, on the other hand, took the aerial route and, it worked wonders.

Nagen Tamang and Surchandra Singh floated in crosses from left, right, and centre but, the finishing touch was missing from the strikers. Shillong Lajong rarely got the upper hand in aerial duels and, the strategy paid dividends as it was Aaron Katebe's header which demarcated the two sides.

#1 Shillong Lajong players lacking the composure

Shillong Lajong's Sheen Sokhtung looks on as Real Kashmir's Bilal Khan holds on to the ball before him

Shillong Lajong lost the side not because they nad no foreigners in their ranks. The fact that the entirety of the team was composed of youngsters, who lacked composure in the crucial stages of the match, was what haunted them ultimately.

They dominated the proceedings in the early stages of the match and rarely gave Real Kashmir any space to breathe. However, they failed to convert those chances into goals.

In the fifth minute, Shillong Lajong got a golden opportunity to take the lead when the ball fell towards an unmarked Samuel Lyngdoh's path inside the box. The 18-year-old just had to volley his shot goalwards and the job would have been done. Alas, he failed to do that.

As the game grew, Real Kashmir gained their foothold and Shillong Lajong were pushed to the backfoot. The defence snapped in the 74th minute and the Meghalaya side inched closer towards relegation.