Salgaocar proved too hot to handle for a young Shillong Lajong side as they won 2-1 in a Group B Hero Federation Cup football encounter at the Tilak Maidan, here today.
As much flattering the scoreline might look, it was one-way traffic for most parts of the game which saw All India Football Federation (AIFF) Elite Academy graduate Vishal Kaith perform admirably between the sticks for Lajong in the first half only to fall short post the break to goals from an excellent Bikash Jairu and Gurjinder Kumar.
Salgaocar defender Pritam Kumar - another AIFF graduate - hit the woodwork quite ominously before Salgaocar took the lead in the second period. Substitute Jacob Lalrawngbawia halved the margin for Shillong deep into second half stoppage time.
But Vishal was the standout performer as only one clear cut chance befell them throughout the 90 minutes.
The AIFF Academy product was tested thrice in the first half and had it not been for his fine saves, the Shillong side would be going into the break licking their wounds.
The onslaught started as early as in the seventh minute when Douhou's dipping long-range effort was tipped over by Vishal. Gurjinder headed wide from the resultant corner.
Six minutes later the Shimla born 19-year old -first choice keeper in Colm Toal's India U-19 Team which took part in the AFC U-19 Championships in Qatar last year - was called into action again saving low from Duffy's powerful drive.
The local outfit were all over the Highlanders and the young side with no foreigners - the only team in the competition to do so - found it difficult to stem the tide of attacks.
