SHILLONG : Nongkseh continued their strong run in the Shillong Premier League 2026 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sawmer at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday.
Kitboklang Pale, Mebankhraw Wahlang and captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri were on target as Nongkseh secured their third consecutive win and climbed to third place in the league standings.
Kitboklang opened the scoring in the 30th minute before Mebankhraw doubled Nongkseh’s advantage seven minutes later. Hardy then completed the victory with a late goal in the 88th minute.
The win takes Nongkseh to 13 points from seven matches, moving them above Mawlai, who have 12 points from six games. Sawmer remain sixth with nine points.
Sawmer appeared determined to keep the scoreline under control in the opening stages and managed to prevent Nongkseh from creating clear opportunities for the first half-hour.
However, Kitboklang broke the deadlock in impressive fashion. He controlled a long ball with his chest before beating Khrawkupar Tamu and unleashing a superb left-footed strike to give Nongkseh the lead.
Nongkseh doubled their advantage just seven minutes later. Hardy delivered a corner towards the far post, where Mebankhraw rose to meet it and headed the ball into the net.
Sawmer goalkeeper Pyrshangbanbha Dkhar, who has endured some difficult moments this season, responded with a much-improved performance and made two good saves before half-time to prevent Nongkseh from extending their lead.
After the restart, Nongkseh continued to create opportunities, with Chesterpaul Lyngdoh and Shano Tariang both sending efforts wide.
Sawmer struggled to find a way back into the match, while Nongkseh continued to threaten.
Hardy eventually added a third in the 88th minute after Kitboklang carried the ball into the box before cutting it back for his captain, who calmly placed a low shot into the back of the net.
Sawmer came closest to scoring in the 70th minute when Wanshanlang Dkhar’s long-range free-kick crashed against the crossbar.
The result gives Nongkseh another three points as they continue their push towards the top end of the Shillong Premier League table.
