An own goal proved to be the difference between FC Pune City and NorthEast United in the seventh match of the 2015 Hero Indian Super League on Friday.
NorthEast United dominated major portions of the game and would consider themselves unlucky to return to Guwahati with zero points on board after a credible performance against FC Pune City.
Northeast from the word go went on the attack and will have to improve in their finishing if they are to dislodge themselves from the bottom spot in the standings. Nicolaz Velez despite his trickery will need to combine better with his strike partner to improve the fortunes.
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Velez was a live wire throughout the game as he proved difficult to mark but would rue missing the chances during the game. Velez sold multiple dummies first of which was on the 2nd minute, as he allowed the ball go through his legs, before chasing it down to shoot.
Despite that early chance for NorthEast United, FC Pune City was the brighter of the two team in the opening 15 minutes. Silas was yellow carded on the 13th minute as he nudged Adrian Mutu on the back.
NorthEast United as the match progressed, looked to trouble the Pune defence with their every attack. The ball found its way to Velez on the 31st minute, but Velez failed to direct it goalwards.
FC Pune City first real chance came on the 41st minute when a long ball was nodded on by Yenndrick Ruiz to find Mutu whose tame effort was easily saved by the goalkeeper. The first remained goalless with neither team doing enough to break the deadlock.
NorthEast United were the first team to have a real chance in the second half when Velez beat the offside trap on the 49th minute to lay it off for Francis Dadzie who shoots wide.
FC Pune City players thought to have gone ahead when Tuncay Sanli blasted his shot on goal in the 69th minute but was ruled offside. Pune City tough didna t had to wait long much further for the lead as Zohmingliana Ralte put the ball in his own goal from Nicky Shoreya s corner on the 72a minute.
Velez produced an instant response when the FC Pune City defenders made a meal of the clearance letting Velez through on goal who could only shoot it in the side netting.
Lenny had a go himself in the 82nd minute when Tuncay Sanli found on the right. Lenny cut inside but scuppered his shot. The match ended with FC Pune City managing to hold on to the lead.