Finally, FC Pune City manages to register a success
November 22, 2018, Pune
Playing for the first time after former captain Emilano Alfaro was loaned out (to ATK), FC Pune City created numerous chances in a display of flowing, attacking football and took the lead through a Diego Carlos stunner.
Jamshedpur FC (JFC) opted for a controlled game, using numbers in midfield, and equalised via Sumeet Passi. Matthew Mills nodded in the match-winner off a flag-kick during the closing minutes to steal a much-needed 2-1 win for the struggling home team in the Indian Super League.
The first win for the season moved Pune from the bottom, while JFC, after its first loss, stays fourth in the table.
Goalkeepers Subrata Paul and Kamaljit Singh (Pune) had an outstanding game under the bar at the Balewadi Stadium, but were helpless during the three times the ball went in.
Spectacular strikes
Two stunning goals lit up a pulsating first half. In the fifth minute, Pune’s Brazilian striker Diego, back after serving out an extended suspension, carried the ball from almost the half-line and swerved on approaching the box. JFC defenders closing down were thrown off-balance and before Subrata could focus on the next move, Diego slotted the ball low into the left corner.
The equaliser in the 10th minute was like a set-piece move executed to perfection. Carlos Calvo on the left flank near the goal-line attempted to centre with his right foot. Pune defenders moved in anticipation and were fooled by the dummy act from the player who cooly tapped behind, turned and floated the ball with his left. Passi anticipating the pass headed home.
The two goalkeepers were tested. Marcelinho’s powerful left-footed try from the edge of the box forced Subrata into a leaping stylish save, while Kamaljit stretched to his right to keep out a superb first-time left-footer from Passi.
Ian Hume remained on the bench in the first half, as the home team opted to give Indian strikers Ashique and Robin the chance to forage for goals in tandem with Marcelinho. Hume came on as substitute for Robin in the second half.
Passi played as the lone striker for the visitors with five mid-fielders trying to set up chances for the India international. Michael Soosairaj was introduced in the closing stages by JFC.
The result: FC Pune City 2 (Diego Carlos 5, Matthew Mills 86) bt Jamshedpur FC 1 (Sumeet Passi 10).
