Shillong, March 14 (NationPress) Luka Majcen's two goals propelled Diamond Harbour FC to a 2-1 victory over Shillong Lajong FC in Match 15 of the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Saturday.

With this triumph, Diamond Harbour ascended to the second position in the league standings with six points, trailing Sreenidi Deccan on goal difference, while Shillong Lajong fell to fifth place, accumulating four points from three matches.

Birendra Thapa, the head coach of Shillong Lajong FC, maintained his trust in the starting lineup, repeating the same formation for the second consecutive match. In contrast, Kibu Vicuña made a single adjustment, substituting Bryce Miranda for Halicharan Narzary on the left wing.

Diamond Harbour took an early lead just two minutes into the match. Luka Majcen received the ball within the penalty area and laid it off for Antonio Moyano, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai. Fortunately for Majcen, the rebound came directly to him, and the Slovenian striker effortlessly found the back of the net.

The forward extended the lead with another precise finish at the near post. After Shillong Lajong lost possession near the box, Jobby Justin was sent down the right flank by Hugo Díaz. The captain delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, which Majcen skillfully converted past the diving goalkeeper.

Despite the challenge, the Reds adhered to their strategy, employing their high-intensity football style. They continued to press aggressively and utilized their wing-backs and wingers effectively to challenge the Diamond Harbour defense.

The home team nearly reduced the deficit, but goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh's fingertips and the crossbar came to the rescue, denying Everbrightson Sana's header. Left-back Saveme Tariang delivered a cross into the box, and Sana soared to head the ball towards goal, only to be thwarted.

Shillong Lajong's expansive approach, featuring wing-backs pushing high, created opportunities for counter-attacks. Diamond Harbour almost netted a third goal just before the halftime whistle. Luka Majcen's initial shot was saved, but when the ball rebounded to Bryce Miranda, his chip over the goalkeeper hit the crossbar.

After the break, the hosts halved the deficit with a brilliant counter-attack that initiated from deep within their half. A long throw from the opposing side was cleared by the defense, leading to Everbrightson Sana gaining possession. He quickly passed to Gladdy Kharbuli, who made a well-timed run into space and skillfully finished past Dheeraj Singh.

From that moment forward, Shillong Lajong dominated the match, controlling most of the action in the opponent's half. They took charge of the midfield, with Lamlallian Vaiphei standing out with his pinpoint passing and dangerous set-piece deliveries into the box.

Everbrightson Sana nearly scored again after the hour mark when he challenged Dheeraj for a lofted ball. The ball floated toward the empty net but was cleared off the line by the retreating Melroy Assisi.

Shortly after, Sana missed a prime opportunity to equalize. Following a slick sequence of passes, Damaitphang Lyngdoh set up Sana, but the striker's sliding attempt sailed well over the bar, disappointing the home crowd.

Diamond Harbour, largely pinned in their own half during the second period, ramped up their attacking efforts in the final minutes. Substitute Sunday Afolabi struck the crossbar with a powerful long-range effort, and Siwel Rymbai made a crucial save to deny Moyano in stoppage time.

Ultimately, the team from West Bengal preserved their one-goal lead, securing their second consecutive win of the season.