The end of 90 minutes saw Khalid Jamil getting off to a winning start as a dominant Northeast United clinch their first ever victory against Jamshedpur FC and are back to winning ways after a 7 match winless run.
It was not just The Highlanders’ first victory against Jamshedpur but was also their first victory against an Owen Coyle managed side. Until today’s match Owen Coyle had a 3 match unbeaten record against the Guwahati based club.
Although, the Possesion stat was in favour of the Highlanders, it was Jamshedpur FC’s no. 9 who created the first chance in matchday 61. The Lithuanian forced Subhasish to make a save and the 34 years old did stood tall on his return to the starting lineup.
Northeast United took sometime to settle in once they did so, there was no looking back. Federico Gallego’s corner found Idrissa Sylla and Guinean did manage a shot on target but Rehenesh came at rescue to deny Northeast an early lead with two back to back saves.
Northeast looked ever so determined to score and were a complete threat when they had the ball. A VP Suhair cross from the right flank found Luis Machado and the Portuguese forward did not hesitate to try a bicycle kick but his acrobatic effort ruled out by an equally important save from Rehenesh.
Five minutes later, it was the Uruguayan lynchpin Federico Gallego who’s corner from the left side found Ashutosh Mehta who scored his debut goal for the Highlanders as Northeast stamped their authority on the scoreline. Jamshedpur FC did not hold back as Aniket Jadhav forced the Highlanders to make an important clearance and that was the last piece of action from the first 45.
Khalid Jamil made just one change as Debutant Deshorn Brown replaced Idrissa Sylla. Owen Coyle on the other hand made 3 changes with Jackichand, Amarjit and Aniket making way for Williams, Mobashir and Isaac respectively.
It was a debut to remember for Deshorn Brown as the he started his journey in new colours on a high. He doubled the Highlanders’ lead in the 61st minute as yet again Federico Gallego produced an assist from the heavens and the Jamaican did not let his teammates down with a perfect finish.
Jamshedpur FC were awarded a set-piece and Aitor Monroy’s delivery was well blocked was Northeast United’s wall. Moments later, the ball fell for John Fitzgerald but Khassa Camara blocked his shot and made sure his side continue to be on the driving seat.
The ending moments of the match saw the Highlanders defend more as Jamshedpur’s offensive prowess changed the gear. An under pressure Subhasish Roy Chowdhury’s goal kick found Nerijus Valskis who released a shot but Subhasish did make up for his mistake and saved it.
Northeast United were surely on the backfoot as Jamshedpur FC kept on pushing bodies forward. The Men of steel were rewarded a corner and yet again it was Spanish playmaker Aitor Monroy who’s delivery in the box found Peter Hartley and the Englishman pulled off a controversial goal for his side.
Northeast United FC now move to the 5th place after their victory over Jamshedpur.
Hero of the Match – Federico Gallego
The Uruguayan playmaker was phenomenal for the highlanders in the 2-1 victory over the men of steel as he created 6 chances and provided 2 assists for his side and helped them end their winless run.
