Kalyani, March 16: NEROCA FC slipped into the relegation zone after slumping to yet another defeat in the I-League, going down 0-1 to Sudeva Delhi FC here on Tuesday.
Gursimrat Singh Gill’s header in added time of the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides in a match where NEROCA had largely themselves to blame for the defeat. The side from Manipur now lay rock-bottom of the league with eight points from 13 games.
Coming on the back of a 0-1 loss to Aizawl FC in their last match, NEROCA needed to gather all three points in order to stand a chance of taking the relegation battle to the final matchday. The best opportunity of the first half fell to Judah Garcia in the 19th minute. After the forward danced past the opposition defensive line, he was found with a low cross from the flanks. Garcia failed to connect from close range as Sudeva Delhi survived a scare.
In added time of the first half, Gursimrat headed the ball home after Shaiborlang Kharpan had robbed possession off the NEROCA custodian before releasing a cross to find Gill’s head. NEROCA missed chances as they eventually lost by 0-1 margin.
In the other match of the day, Indian Arrows notched up a thrilling 2-1 win over Aizawl FC
Parthib Gogoi’s (11th) early strike was cancelled out by a wonder goal from Malsawmtluanga (22nd), but the Arrows came back as Lalchhanhima Sailo’s strike in the 36th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Aizawl FC levelled in the 22nd minute when Malsawmtluanga produced a sensational finish from outside of the box.
However, Lalchhanhima Sailo put the Arrows ahead when he found an accurate cross inside the box and smashed it into the top corner with his left foot.
Aizawl FC are mathematically safe from relegation and the Mizoram-based club left no stone unturned to find the equaliser. (PTI)
