AGENCIES, KOLKATA: ATK registered 2-0 victory against FC Goa in a closely-fought top-of-the-table clash in the Indian Super League at the Salt Lake Stadium, here, on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Pritam Kotal (47’) headed ATK into a lead before a late goal from Jayesh Rane (88’) sealed the deal, with FC Goa left to rue all the chances they wasted in the second-half.
The win takes ATK level on points (24) at the top of the table with FC Goa. It also serves as a measure of revenge for ATK who had been beaten 2-1 when they travelled to Goa for the reverse fixture.
There were early threats at both ends with Javier Hernandez sending a strike wide after holding off his marker using his strength.
At the other end, Manvir Singh cut in from the right flank and sent his effort inches wide of the frame. ATK struck a huge blow right after the restart and pumped up the home crowd. Roy Krishna latched onto a free-kick on the right-hand side inside the box and chipped the ball into the centre from the byline. An unmarked Pritam Kotal got in between the FC Goa centre-backs and nodded the ball into the net.
FC Goa took control of the game towards the end and Hugo Boumous ran the show from the midfield as the visitors chased an equaliser. The French midfielder made an excellent run down the left flank and found Seiminlen Doungel free inside the box in the 70th minute but the Indian forward’s shot was parried away by an alert Arindam Bhattacharya.
Jayesh Rane made amends for his earlier big miss by scoring ATK’s second goal in the dying embers of the game. Krishna’s chested a long pass, beat his marker on his way towards the byline and crossed into the centre for Rane who executed a sliding finish into the net to put the result beyond doubt.
