Kalyani (West Bengal) [India]April 10 (ANI): Aizawl FC were praised in the North East Derby after securing a clinical 2-0 victory against Neroca, here at Kalyani Stadium.
Lalremsanga Fanai’s goal five minutes into the match and Ayush Chhetri’s curler in the second half were enough to give the visitors a decisive victory over their local rivals.
In the initial stages of the game, Neroca was the first to register an attack after Sweden Fernandes sprinted into the box, but his sliced effort did not disturb the goalkeeper and flew outside. Minutes later, the deadlock was broken when Ramhlunchhunga played a beautiful high pass against Lalremsanga Fanai, who managed to beat it past the oncoming goalkeeper to give Aizawl an early lead.
The pace of the match was the same even after the start. Sweden Fernandes posed the biggest threat to Aizawl’s defense when he tried to dodge them. Neroca’s front three had a hard time getting into the Aizawl box and therefore there were only a few goal attempts from the edge of the box.
Khaiminthang Lhungdim smashed the ball towards the upper right corner but it was conveniently saved by goalkeeper Anuj Kumar.
In the final stages of the first half, Aizawls played the first two and uttered quick passes to each other, catching the Neroca defenders in unexpected places. However, the sublime pass could not be shown in a goal due to poor finishing. Fanai was very close to doubling the lead but was brilliantly denied by Dhananjoy Singh who slipped in to deny the striker.
Another long guard from Neroca was released by Sweden Fernandes from the left and this time the goalkeeper went out but drew a sigh of relief when it rolled away from the goal. During the last minutes of the first half, Aizawl showed their defensive skill when decisive tackles from Vanlalnghenga and Primus kept the hosts at bay.
In the second half, Aizawl increased its game. In the opening minutes, they released quick attacks but all were handled by the Neroca defense. Just as Neroca tried to get a goal back for Ayus Chhetri but despite all his hard work down the right, he just couldn’t complete the move. This was just his second goal of the season.
The momentum changed and Aizawl was on the attack. Neroca goalkeeper Shubham Dhas denied Lalmuanpuia and Lalhlansanga to avoid humiliation. Dhas saved Lalmuanpuia’s free kick and then continued to push Lalhlansanga’s long-range player on the crossbar.
Moods were now up 0 – 2. Sergio Mendigutxia was having a great game – if anything the pouring rain seemed to be spurring him on! The referee had no doubts and he gave a penalty in favor of Neroca FC.
A decisive victory for Aizawl has lifted them up to eighth place in the table. Neroca, who had the opportunity to go third tonight, stays fifth. Aizawl is now just one point away from the last play-off spot in the Championship, currently occupied by Rajasthan United. However, Rajasthan still has two games left. (ANI)
Source: sn.dk