AGENCIES, BHUBANESWAR: Real Kashmir FC were able to maintain their unbeaten record on the road as they stole a crucial point against Indian Arrows following the 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
After 75 minutes of goalless football, suddenly the match sprung into life which saw 4 goals in the final 15 minutes of regulation time. Amarjit Singh (78′) found the target from the penalty spot before Kofi Tetteh (82′) restored the parity from a well-taken corner by Vicky Meitei. Mason Robertson (90′) who was lurking in for a long took the lead once again only to lose it within 60 seconds when Rahul KP headed an Anwar Ali corner home.
Following the result, Real Kashmir FC took the second spot on the table with 33 points from 17 matches whereas Indian Arrows reclaim the seventh spot with 18 points from 19 matches.
Floyd Pinto made as many as seven changes from the last match against Gokulam Kerala FC handing Boris, Narender, Suresh, Ninthoi, Akash and Rohit Danu another start in the ongoing Hero I-League. Moreover, he opted to bring Lovepreet Singh replacing Prabhsukhan Gill under the woodwork.
On the other hand, Real Kashmir FC coach David Robertson didn’t feel to tweak in his strategies having fielded the same starting eleven.
Real Kashmir FC will now come back to their home to face East Bengal whereas Indian Arrows will clash their swords with the Mariner on February 28.
Chennai City FC inched closer to their maiden Hero I-League title defeating Mohun Bagan 3-1 at the Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore .
Chennai City FC, who have been leading the pack since the start of the season, have 40 points under their belt from 17 games. Second-placed Real Kashmir FC are seven adrift of them whereas Quess East Bengal are eight points shy of the pole.
Mohun Bagan whose league hope has blown up long ago will stay stranded in the sixth spot with 26 points from 18 matches.
Chennai City FC fired in three quick goals through Sandro (8′), Nestor Gordillo (15′) and Pedro Manzi (23′). William Lalnunfela got the only consolation goal in the 37th minute but the damage has been already done by then.
Nestor Gordillo who was in the staggering form since the kick-off scored one and created a couple to pave the win for his team. He was bestowed with the Hero of the Match silver ball and the cheque for his annihilating display tonight.
Chennai City FC will now fly to Goa to face Red Machines on March 1 whereas the Mariners will host Indian Arrows on the last day of February.
