Loni: Pune FC built on their impressive unbeaten run with a convincing 3-0 win over local rivals DSK Shivajians in an Under-15 Youth League 2015-16, Maharashtra Zone, Round-9 encounter at the DSK Football Fields in Loni on Sunday.
A brace from striker Aakash Banerjee (7th & 79th minute) along with a beautiful goal from skipper Cladeo Nongpluh (78th) handed Pune FC their eighth win of the campaign and fourth away from home. Interestingly, the win was also Pune FC’s fourth in a row after their stalemate in the fifth round.
The three points earned also meant Pune FC took sole leadership at the top of the table with 25 points (8 wins and 1 draw in nine games), three ahead of second placed Mumbai FC who they face in the final round.
On a windy evening, Pune FC settled in quickly and took an early lead as they capitalized on a defensive error in the seventh minute. A weak header from a Shivajians’ defender back to his keeper was intercepted by an alert Aakash who ran solo down the middle before slotting it home for his first goal of the campaign.
Having scored early, Pune FC kept the pressure on and dominated proceedings in the midfield. A handful of chances fell for attackers Ishan Dey, Aakash and Amey Talegaonkar up front but they lacked the killer finish in the rival third.
Five minutes from the break, Pune FC almost doubled their lead. Winger Shreepad Dorge floated in a perfect cross from the left to Mozaffar Ali who timed his run well down the middle and managed to connect a diving header but the rival keeper produced a good save to keep the score 1-0 going into the breather.
The second half began in the same way as the first with Pune FC taking control of the proceedings. Having dominated possession for long durations, Pune FC almost got a goal in the 63rd minute when skipper Cladeo went on an insane run dribbling past six defenders but his low effort from close went agonisingly wide.
Pune FC kept on pushing ahead and finally doubled their lead in the 78th minute when Cladeo once again burst on a solo. This time he managed to beat the keeper from close and find the back of the net.
A minute later, Aakash got his second and Pune FC’s third scoring from close. The lanky striker kept his composure inside the box to hold off challenges and finish on the slide.
Pune FC had a few more chances in the final minutes but the hosts defended deep to keep the scoreline 3-0.
