GANGTOK, January 5, 2012: An injury-time goal from James Moga gave Pune FC a hard-fought 2-1 victory over United Sikkim on Saturday (January 5) here at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok taking the Derrick Pereira-coached club to the second spot of the I-League table.
In fact, they are tied at 28 points with table-toppers Churchill Brothers. But since the Goan club had beaten them in the first leg encounter, head-to-head record keeps them on the top.
The match was heading for a draw with Arata Izumi’s goal in the 23rd minute for Pune FC cancelled out by Nima Tamang in the 63rd minute.
Moga, who was kept quiet throughout the match by United Sikkim defence, ran past his marker to glance an in-swinging free kick from captain Douhou Pierre into the opponent’s net in 92nd minute.
Pierre, adjudged the Man of the Match, had played a huge role in the first goal. His intelligent through ball was perfectly met by Izumi who calmly lobbed the ball over the onrushing United Sikkim goalkeeper Yoon Tae.
After conceding the lead, United Sikkim took charge of the game and created several opportunities but was let down by poor finishing. Nurudeen Salau had a great opportunity to level scores in the 25th minute but a tame shot from close range after receiving a ball from Nima didn’t help.
Salau could not capitalize on a defensive error by Pune FC in the 31st minute and missed the target again. These were two of many scoring opportunities missed by the profligate United Sikkim forwards.
The equalizer for United Sikkim had a huge slice of luck. Nima Tamang’s shot crashed into a couple of defenders and rolled past a helpless Pune FC custodian Abhra Mondal and into the net. United Sikkim, fighting for I-League survival, worked hard to find the second goal.
Pune FC defense remained well organized to soak up the pressure and delivered a cruel knockout blow moments before the final whistle.
Star striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, nursing an injury, was introduced in the 57th minute but lasted just five minutes. His injury flared up again and was replaced by Khanthang Paite.
Speaking to reporters, Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira said that it was the inexperience of United Sikkim players that cost them the match. “They fought well but was let down by their inexperience,” he said.
Pereira also refused to be on congratulatory mood despite climbing top of the I-League with 28 points. “There is still a long way to go and we intend to go ahead match by match. Players are showing the right attitude and wants to win every match”, he said.
With this loss, United Sikkim are under tremendous pressure to bring good results in the remaining matches as the Gangtok based club is languishing in relegation zone with 9 points from 13 matches.
In fact, they are tied at 28 points with table-toppers Churchill Brothers. But since the Goan club had beaten them in the first leg encounter, head-to-head record keeps them on the top.
The match was heading for a draw with Arata Izumi’s goal in the 23rd minute for Pune FC cancelled out by Nima Tamang in the 63rd minute.
Moga, who was kept quiet throughout the match by United Sikkim defence, ran past his marker to glance an in-swinging free kick from captain Douhou Pierre into the opponent’s net in 92nd minute.
Pierre, adjudged the Man of the Match, had played a huge role in the first goal. His intelligent through ball was perfectly met by Izumi who calmly lobbed the ball over the onrushing United Sikkim goalkeeper Yoon Tae.
After conceding the lead, United Sikkim took charge of the game and created several opportunities but was let down by poor finishing. Nurudeen Salau had a great opportunity to level scores in the 25th minute but a tame shot from close range after receiving a ball from Nima didn’t help.
Salau could not capitalize on a defensive error by Pune FC in the 31st minute and missed the target again. These were two of many scoring opportunities missed by the profligate United Sikkim forwards.
The equalizer for United Sikkim had a huge slice of luck. Nima Tamang’s shot crashed into a couple of defenders and rolled past a helpless Pune FC custodian Abhra Mondal and into the net. United Sikkim, fighting for I-League survival, worked hard to find the second goal.
Pune FC defense remained well organized to soak up the pressure and delivered a cruel knockout blow moments before the final whistle.
Star striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, nursing an injury, was introduced in the 57th minute but lasted just five minutes. His injury flared up again and was replaced by Khanthang Paite.
Speaking to reporters, Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira said that it was the inexperience of United Sikkim players that cost them the match. “They fought well but was let down by their inexperience,” he said.
Pereira also refused to be on congratulatory mood despite climbing top of the I-League with 28 points. “There is still a long way to go and we intend to go ahead match by match. Players are showing the right attitude and wants to win every match”, he said.
With this loss, United Sikkim are under tremendous pressure to bring good results in the remaining matches as the Gangtok based club is languishing in relegation zone with 9 points from 13 matches.
0 comments