Kolkata, Feb 9: Former champions Chennai City FC dished out a clinical attacking brand of football to beat NEROCA FC 2-1 in an I-League match here on Tuesday.
Strikes from Vineeth Kumar (6th) and Demir Avdic (68th) were enough to hand Chennai City the win despite Subash Singh reducing the deficit in the 79th minute. With this win, Chennai City FC find themselves in the top half of the table while NEROCA are still on 10th place. Chennai City wasted no time in showing their attacking intent but a fourth minute effort by Vladimir Molerovic from a distance went inches over the bar.
However, the Chennai-based club had to wait just two minutes after Molerovic’s attempt to take the lead.
Vineeth was found by an accurate cross from Mohamed Iqbal from the left flank on the far post. Vineeth’s diving header from a tight angle beat the opposition custodian as Chennai took a 1-0 lead.
The goal, which came out of nowhere, jolted NEROCA and shortly after, attempts by Avdic of Chennai City were kept out by Bishrojit Singh, who was tested on more than one occasion.
NEROCA were dealt a blow in the 61st minute when Shoib Akhtar was sent off for a rash tackle on Jockson Dhas.
They conceded another goal in the 68th minute when Avdic found the net through a header from close range.
Other matches
Punjab FC moved up to the second spot in the I-League standings after beating Indian Arrows 2-1 at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium here on Tuesday.
A brace from Papa Babacar Diawara (35th and 56th) ensured Punjab FC all three points despite a late goal by Vellington Fernandes (87th).
In another match, Komron Tursunov’s 5th minute stike ensured that TRAU edged Aizawl 1-0. (PTI)
