Indian Super League: Marcelinho guides FC Pune City to win over NorthEast United FC | Football News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Indian Super League: Marcelinho guides FC Pune City to win over NorthEast United FC

Press Trust of India, Guwahati | ByPress Trust of India
Feb 08, 2018 08:44 AM IST

Marcelinho scored the only goal of the match as FC Pune City defeated NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday.

Last year’s golden boot winner, Marcelinho proved to be FC Pune City’s saviour as he scored a late goal to hand his team a 1-0 win over NorthEast United FC in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Marcelinho celebrates after scoring for FC Pune City against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday.(ISL)
Marcelinho celebrates after scoring for FC Pune City against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday.(ISL)

When it seemed like the match was heading for a draw following a spate of missed chances at both ends, Marcelinho delivered the winner in the 86th minute.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The goal could prove to be decisive in the final analysis for Pune City as they have now moved to the second spot with 25 points from 14 matches and are much closer to qualification for play-offs.

NorthEast United continues to be at ninth spot with 11 points after 13 matches and may find it difficult to qualify even if they win all their remaining five matches.

NorthEast United had done well to keep a clean slate till the late stages of the match when their poor record at home came to haunt them.

READ | ISL 2017-18: Sandesh Jhingan’s absence looms large as ATK host Kerala Blasters

NorthEast United have not managed to keep a clean sheet at home since their first home match and they conceded at the fag end.

It was Marcelinho who got the goal that Pune were hunting for all night and came when the visitors had pulled out their top scorer Emiliano Alfaro.

Substitute Marko Stankovic made it happen with a delightful through ball for Marcelinho. The Brazilian striker kept his cool despite being chased by two NorthEast defenders and then beat onrushing goalkeeper TP Reheneesh.

Till Marcelinho managed to break the deadlock, both teams had chances to seal full points.

Pune City had the best opportunity in the opening half and it was Alfaro who missed a sitter.

A long ball from Marcos Tebar saw NorthEast defender Nirmal Chhetri try to head it back to his own goalkeeper but his touch was weak and instead the ball fell for Alfaro, who tried to chip the ball over the goalkeeper but his heavy touch took the ball over the goalpost.

READ | Dheeraj Singh’s Motherwell FC trail just the start of arduous, uncertain journey

NorthEast too had their chances, particularly in the second session. The best chance fell at the feet of Lalrindika Ralte when Seiminlen Doungel’s cross from the right was clipped by Cezario and fell nicely for Ralte but he disappointed with his finish as he dragged the ball across the face of the goal.

Jose Goncalves also went close for the hosts when Ralte’s corner-kick saw him left unmarked but the captain’s header went straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Pune City will now travel to Mumbai for the reverse leg of Maharashtra Derby on Sunday, while the Highlanders travel to Jamshedpur for their next fixture.

Catch all the Latest Football matches score updates alongwith EPL 2024 Schedule , ISL 2024 Schedule and other related updates on ISL 2024 Points table on The Hindustan Times website and App
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On