Shillong, Aug. 3: I-League relegated team Shillong Lajong FC drew with Nangkiew Irat FC in the second match of the Royal Stag Shillong Premiere League at Polo ground here this evening.

In an evenly contested match, Shillong Lajong utilised only four players who featured in the last I-League championship while the rest were from its under-19 team.

On its part, Nangkiew Irat, a sister team of defending champions Ar Hima FC, played well against its opponents. Bansharai Sun, the team’s caption, was later named Man of the Match.

Seeing Shillong Lajong taking the field after a spirited I-League campaign, football fans of this hill station could not help reminiscing on the days when the home team took on powerful opponents of Indian football at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex.

“We remember the days when we would throng the JN Sports Complex to witness memorable clashes between Shillong Lajong and various visiting teams. We do miss those days. Hope they come back soon,” B. Syiem, an avid soccer fan, said.

Similar views were echoed by another football enthusiast, S. Shangpliang. “We used to have a waka-waka time whenever the men in red took on different clubs. We hope to get several more opportunities to witness those clashes.”

In tomorrow’s encounter, Royal Wahingdoh will take on Langsning. The match is expected to be electrifying as both teams have been gearing up for this League through induction of new players from different places, including those belonging to other states and even abroad.

Eight teams are participating in the Shillong Premiere League conducted by the Shillong Sports Association.