Pune FC beats Shillong Lajong 2-1; Sporting Clube beat Prayag
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Shillong, December 29 2012:
Pune FC on Saturday added three more points after beating Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in an away match of I-League at Shillong's JN Sports Complex.
It was the locals who dominated the 75 percent of match but the forward line once again proved to be too weak as they failed to convert any chances that came their way.
Sushil Kumar Singh was little unlucky in coupler of occasion.
In the 20th minute of the game Sushil's shot was well saved by Pune custodian Abhra Mondal, who had a gala time under the wood work for which he was later awarded man of the match.
In 28th minute Sushil and Friday had paired up but their efforts was defused by Mondal.
It was in the 29th minute Pune got a chance and attacked the rival goal mouth when Douhou Pierre supplied the ball to Jeje Lalpekjlua, who made no mistake to complete it as he tapped the ball over Lajong custodian Lalthuammawia Ralte and gave a lead to his team.
In the 48th minute Khanthang Paite, who had substituted Jeje soon after the first goal after he received injury, consolidated Pune's position after he converted Karma Tsewang's minus ball into a net making the score card read 2-0 .
Lajong reduced the margin in the 59th minute when defender Govin Singh's powerful shot from 35 yard penetrated into the goal catching Mondal unaware and gave the local fans a cheer of joy.
In the 89th minute Lajong were reduced to ten men after referee Pranjal Banerjee showed red card to goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte for bringing down James Moga and awarded a penalty kick in favor of visitor.
Substitute custodian Basant Singh making a good judgment saved the spot kick taken by Moga.
With this win Pune have collected 26 points from 12 matches while Lajong are gradually going down in the points table with just 13 points against their kitty.
A rejuvenated Sporting Clube de Goa trounced local favourite Prayag United SC 3-1 in the 13th round of the I-League at Kalyani Stadium on Saturday (December 29) .
Nigerian midfielder Ogba Kalu Nanna did the star turn for the visitors scoring two goals while Joseph Pereira found the target once to complete Sporting Clube de Goa's scoreline.
Ranty Martins found the lone reply for Prayag United.
The home side suffered further humiliation when their substitute midfielder M.Zakeer was marched off late in the 87th minute with a red card.
The absence of two key foreigners in the midfield and defence � injured Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos Hernandes and suspended Nigerian Bello Rasaq � dealt a severe blow to the hopes of the home side which had Ranti Martins as the lone foreigner in the side.
Sporting Clube, on the other hand, had were in a resurgent mode having taken over by Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon Barreras, who has definitely been able to inspire a turnaround after a series of bad results.
The win gave the Goa side a veritable opportunity to seek a way out of the relegation zone.
Sporting Clube put the notice early with a goal in the fifth minute.
Kalu scored from the spot after Prayag United's India team goalkeeper Subrata Paul felled an onrushing Joseph Periera inside his own box.
Ranti Martins got the home team back in contention in the 15th minute making the most of a rebound after Lalkamal Bhowmick saw his first attempt coming off the Sporting Clube goalkeeper Ashok Singh.
The first half ended honours even but the Goa side was much reformed after the break.
Prayag United had the first chance in to get into the lead in the 52nd minute but midfielder K.Asif shot wide from close to deny the chance.
Kalu made no mistake in the 68th minute when he dribbled clear of two Prayag defenders and capped a brilliant solo effort.
The goal ended Prayag United's resolve which was further downed when Zakeer was ejected late in the match.
Josephy Pareira scored one more in the injury-time (90+2 minutes) to complete the host's humiliation.
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