Naihati, April 5: Sweden Fernandes and Sergio Mendiguchia Iglesias were on target for NEROCA FC as they defeated Kenkre 2-1 in the I-League here on Tuesday.
With this, NEROCA have moved up to fourth place in the standings with their fourth victory of the season. Meanwhile, it was Kenkre’s seventh defeat of the season.
In another match, Gokulam Kerala beat Sreenidi Deccan 2-1 at Kalyani and climbed to the top of the table. The defending champions rode on two goals from Bouba Aminou (4’) and Jourdaine Fletcher (31’) in the first half to take control of the match.
David Castaneda (48’) pulled one back in the second half but Gokulam Kerala managed to hold on to their lead till the final whistle.
NEROCA and Kenkre kick-started the first match of the day with high intensity as they looked to control the ball in the mid-field early in the game.
A few chances were created inside 10 minutes, including Dhananjoy Singh’s effort to set the ball for Mendigutxia in the 9th minute through a cross from the left side.
Three minutes were added at the end of first-half regulation time and it was all Kenkre needed to level the contest, courtesy of Ranjeet Singh Pandre’s perfect finish in the 45th minute.
NEROCA had the chance to go one up again at the start of the second half but Mendigutxia missed a sitter. Seconds later, Khaiminthang made an unsuccessful attempt from inside the box.
The Spanish forward, however, soon rectified his mistake as he netted the second goal for his side in the 50th minute as NEROCA went one up once again.
Two minutes later, a dangerous header from Nam nearly levelled the score once again but it was cleared off by Neroca defenders.
Later, Khanngam Horam netted a brace as TRAU FC overcame a tough Aizawl FC challenge, defeating them 2-1, to snap a three-game losing streak. (PTI)
