KOLKATA, Feb 23: Mason Robertson’s fine brace helped a dominant Real Kashmir FC beat Aizawl FC 3-1 and jump to the top of the I-League table at the VYBK Stadium here on Tuesday.
After a defensive error had given Aizawl FC the lead through Lalremsanga in the 26th minute, Lukman Adefemi’s strike in the first half and a double by Robertson in the second powered the Snow Leopards to a thumping win.
With the win, Real Kashmir FC extended their unbeaten streak to nine games and could remain on top of the I-League table, if Churchill Brothers drop points against NEROCA on Wednesday.
In what was a cagey first half between the two sides, it took two moments of defensive errors from either team to let the other score.
However, it was Aizawl who tried to breach the Real Kashmir FC citadel with their possession-heavy style of football from the opening minutes.
The Snow Leopards, boasting one of the best defences in the league so far, relied on counter-attack and direct football.
A defensive error in the 26th minute saw the Snow Leopards citadel crumble while giving Aizawl FC the lead.
A goal-kick by Aizawl FC’s custodian was misjudged by Robertson and the ball bounced over him as it caught Pawan Kumar in an awkward position.
It ultimately led to Lalremsanga picking up the pieces and slotting it past a hapless Real Kashmir goalie Mithun Samanta.
Real Kashmir trailed only eight minutes and in the 34th minute, Robertson made amends. With the Aizawl FC defence switched off, Robertson’s long throw-in from the left flank found Adefemi, who unleashed a header from close range to restore parity.
Yan Law’s Aizawl conceded again in the 56th minute. Pratesh Shirdokar’s free-kick from a distance found Robertson in the box and his free header found the bottom-right corner to hand Real Kashmir the lead.
Scotsman Robertson was not done with the action. In the 72nd minute, he stood tall over a free-kick from 30 yards out and curled it into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
Though Aizawl FC tried to make a comeback, the lead proved to be unassailable. With the loss, Aizawl FC sit on 12 points from nine matches and could find themselves in the bottom half of the table before the round ends.
Other Matches
Gokulam Kerala beat Sudeva Delhi 1-0. Philip Adjah scored in the 68th minute for the Kerala side.
Also, Mohammedan SC came from behind to beat 10-man Chennai City 2-1. (PTI)
