PUNE: Bartholomew Ogbeche and Juan Mascia scored a goal each as NorthEast United FC got the better of FC Pune City 2-0 to grab the second place in the points table of Hero Indian Super League, here on Tuesday.
Ogbeche has now equalled Ferran Corominas’ tally of eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot. FC Pune City, who started the match with four foreign players, created plenty of chances to score but failed to beat NorthEast United custodian Pawan Kumar.
ISL’s all-time top scorer Iain Hume made his first start of the 2018-19 league campaign but was substituted at the half-way stage. The hosts had the NorthEast backline on high alert during a Marcelinho corner-kick in the 12th minute.
The Brazilian’s delivery was headed by Rowllin Borges but fell to Ashique Kuruniyan inside the box whose powerful first-time effort was parried away by the custodian. NorthEast United broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Federico Gallego’s flat corner-kick reached Ogbeche at the far post.
The striker chested it down and placed the ball into the net to score his eighth goal of the season. Ashique’s cross from the left found Adil Khan’s run into the box and the midfielder’s pass across the face of goal was cleared by Mato Grgic. The cross only required a tap-in which did not arrive in time as Pune sought a way back into the game. Pune soon stepped up their efforts and were almost rewarded in the 41st minute when Marcelinho’s free-kick from the left found Matt Mills inside the box.
The defender rose highest and was denied by Pawan who pulled off an outstanding save. Pune started the second half just like they ended the first.
They pressed for an equaliser but a resilient NorthEast United backline stood firm to keep the scores level. The home team’s urgency, however, left space for the visitors to hit back on the counter.
Gallego threatened with a long-range effort when afforded space on the right flank but goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh was alert to the danger.
Juan Mascia dribbled into the box from the right and was brought down by Sahil Panwar in the 90th minute. NorthEast United were awarded a penalty straightway which added to their lead at the final moment of the game.
The Uruguayan stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to seal the victory and a crucial three points.Once again Federico Gallego proved instrumental for Eelco Schattorie’s men. The Uruguayan was a constant threat to Pune with his lung bursting runs from the centre of the park. He was also the chief supplier for Mascia and Ogbeche whenever the Highlanders broke on the counter. He was deservedly awarded the Hero of the Match.
Pune City will hope to salvage their season when they travel away to table-toppers Bengaluru FC on November 30 while NorthEast play away against Jamshedpur FC on December 1 (PTI)
