I-League: Pedro Manzi-Nstor Gordillo combine to destroy Shillong Lajong

Pedro Manzi scored a hat-trick, while Nestor Gordillo netted a brace as Spaniards ran riot in Coimbatore where Chennai City thrashed Shillong Lajong 6-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Samuel Lalmuanpuia’s stunner remained the only goal for Lajong long after Roberto Eslava had doubled Gordillo’s early strike in the first half.

The victory, their first in three matches and after defeat to Real Kashmir, put Chennai back on the top of point standings. They are on 21 points from 10 games. Lajong from the same number of matches are on four points, winless since their victory over Aizawl in the season opener.

Gordillo was at the centre of action right from the start and deservedly scored the opener with a first-time effort in the 12^th minute from a Sandro Rodriguez corner. Chennai’s second goal also came from a Rodriguez corner with Eslava heading home in the 38^th minute.

A third came four minutes into the second half after Lalmuanpuia had given the ball from away and Edwin Vanaspaul found Manzi inside the box, who didn’t disappoint for the first of his three goals.

Lalmuanpuia then made amends with a stunning free-kick in the 53^rd minute but that moment of brilliance remained the only spark for Lajong, who went down to a fourth goal from Gordillo in the 69^th minute.

Edwin Vanaspaul, who had assisted twice then completed his hat-trick of assists with a lovely pass to Manzi for the Spaniard to volley home before completing his third from the spot.

Also read: I-League: Aizawl FC down Gokulam Kerala in five-goal thriller