MARGAO, Nov 27:  Subash Singh scored a brace as Pune FC staged a strong comeback to floor Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1 in an eighth round battle of the I-League at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.

Nigerian striker Richard Obiora had provided Sporting with a lead in the 21st minute but Subhash Singh won his team full points after scoring in the 42nd and 66th minute.

In what was talked about as a must-win clash, Sporting Clube seemed determined to grab full points and improve their standing. The hosts worked the ball well and Jovel Martins’ full-blooded shot that brought an equally good save from Pune FC custodian Abhra Mondal in the 20th minute was the sign of things to come.

Surely, two minutes later, Jovel was at it again, this time crossing from the right where Nigerian striker Obiora, until then nowhere in the picture, stretched to turn the ball home.
The goal woke up Pune FC and they continued to launch frequent raids. South Sudan striker James Moga, formerly with Sporting, had two attempts, including a freekick, going wide.
Moga, however, had a hand in the Pune FC equaliser as it was his attempt that was nervously parried away by Sporting goalkeeper Ashok Singh, and Subash, always the danger man, was there to pounce on the opportunity.

The teams were locked 1-1 at the end of first session, but it were Pune FC who always looked to finish stronger. Immediately after resumption, Sporting’s Freiman Peixoto saw his attempt come off the crossbar.

Subash, though, had the final laugh as his cross from the left found the top corner of the net with Sporting goalkeeper comically beaten.

Sporting Clube tried their best towards the closing stages to force at least a point but Pune FC had other ideas. The Pune defence stood firm and never really allowed their hosts a clear look at the goal.