ISL: 10-man NEUFC show grit in 2-1 win over Punjab

Published On : 2024-11-24T12:08:49+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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NEUFC players celebrate after a goal (ISL Photo)Alaaeddine Ajaraie could not continue his record-breaking scoring spree to the ninth Indian Super League Indian Super League game. Their defensive strongman Asheer Aktar received his first yellow of the season in

However it was the resolve and grit of North East United FC that earned them a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Punjab FC in New Delhi despite playing the second half with 10 men. The win extended their unbeaten run to four and broke the trend of losing

They had fired in both their goals in the opening 20 minutes with Ajaraie turning provider to Giullermo Hierro’s 15th minute opener and No. 10 Nestor Albiach drilling in the second with a perfect volley in the 18th minute.

Benali stuck to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation as Punjab FC adopted a physical approach from the outset to disrupt NEUFC’s attacking force with the referee brandishing three yellow cards – two to Punjab and one to NEUFC defender Dines

Ajaraie had his first shot on goal — his 45th of the ISLseason and the only one of the game — in the 9th minute but it was in the 15th minute that NEUFC broke the deadlock. Macarton Nickson sent a cross from midfield to Alaaed

Just three minutes later the Highlanders doubled their lead. Winger Buanthanglun Samte who enjoyed ample space on the left flank sent a cross into the box and Albiach was on hand to volley the ball with precision and power past the

However Punjab coach Panagiotis Dilmperis’s words at the half-hour drinks break were heeded by his players as they began attacking in search of an equaliser. Lead striker Luka Majcen came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but the visiting

With the hosts pushing hard Dinesh earned his second yellow card for an unnecessary foul just outside the box in the 5th minute of first-half added time reducing NEUFC to 10 men.

Punjab tried earnestly to take advantage of their numerical superiority after the change of ends, maintaining most of the possession and registering all shots on target but their efforts were met by the Highlanders defence led by skipper Miguel Zabaco.

Their perseverance however paid off in the 88th minute when NEUFC custodian Gurmeet Singh failed to hold on to a shot from Asmir Suljic and defender Ivan Novoselec was in the right place to score on the rebound reducing NEUFC

Despite the late goal NEUFC held their nerve to secure a crucial three points keeping their team in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles

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