I-League: Pailan’s ‘Arrows’ hit on target, beat HAL

Pailan ArrowsBangalore: Riding high after their last victory against Chirag United Kerala, Pailan Arrows forked out an entertaining game of football and defeated bottom-placed HAL 2-1 in an I-League encounter on Saturday. The victory took Pailan to 16 points from 25 matches while HAL stay on 8 points from 25 matches.

Playing a controlled game and creating several scoring chances, Pailan Arrows took the lead in the 39th minute. A high-ball from the mid-field fell to Ajay Singh in the left-wing. He ran through the penalty box and took a powerful crack to the goal -- the ball hit the diving HAL keeper Amar Deb and went into the goal.


Changing over, HAL went all out for the equaliser -- substitute RC Prakash was controlling the midfield and HAL enjoyed territorial domination for a brief period. A good move from the left restored parity for HAL -- Malemnganba Meetei’s left-footed cross was headed in by Nigerian Abdulla Hamza.

TFA cadet Alwyn Geroge scored the winner in the 82nd minute. After s series pf passes in the midfield, he talented striker finished it off with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty box.

Pailan Arrows coach Sujit Chakraborty reckoned this victory as a ‘hard fought win.’

“We played well and controlled the game in the most of first half. However, we did miss many out of those created chances. HAL too played very well at the starting of first half,” he said.

Pailan striker George Allwyn was adjudged Man-of-the-match.