Pune: Pune FC built on their impressive start to the Under-18 I-League hammering Kenkre FC 7-0 in their first home game of the season at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Saturday.
Striker Lalawmpuia (2nd, 36th, 79th and 88th) powered the big win scoring four goals for the second consecutive game and was supported well by attacker Amos Lalnienga (21st, 23rd) who got a brace and winger Omega Vanlalhruiatluanga (75th).
The win was not just Pune FC’s first ever home win over Kenkre FC but also took them to the top of the standings in the Maharashtra Zone with six points after this second round encounter.
Going into the game, Pune FC coach Naushad Moosa made one change handing defender Asish Rai a start in place of Sebastian Thangmuansang.
Pune FC didn’t waste much time and took the lead instantly striking inside 80 seconds. A quick move from the left saw defender Sahil Panwar release Omega on the wing. The youngster then slid the ball into the box finding striker Lalawmpuia who timed his run to perfection and slotted home from close.
After continuously pushing up, Pune FC finally doubled their lead in the 21st minute. Left-back Asish Rai played a diagonal ball cutting in from the wing to find Sannik Murmu on the right. Sannik beat his marker and sent in a low cross to Amos who scored with a diving header.
Two minutes later, Pune FC increased their lead after some clever play by midfielders Sanchayan Samadder and Daniel Hmar. The duo combined for a quick one-two before Daniel sent Amos through who beat the keeper from close to complete his brace.
While Kenkre were finding it difficult to penetrate into the Pune FC box, the hosts continued to create chance on breakaway moves. One such move on the right flank, saw Pune FC increase their lead to four goals.
A brilliantly crafted attack saw Sannik sprint clear on the right getting into the box with ease. The winger then got the better off a defender and found Lalawmpuia inside the box who hammered home from close for his second.
Pune FC took their massive four goal lead into the breather.
Both sides began the second half cautiously with the game slowing down. However, once again it was Pune FC who created most of the attacks.
In the 51st minute, Pune FC almost increased their lead through Asish. The youngster ran clear on the left and fired a low shot which was blocked by the keeper. The rebound fell back for Asish who was once again denied by the Kenkre custodian who then blocked Lalawmpuia’s shot in the same move.
After creating some half chances, Pune FC finally scored their fifth goal in the 75th minute. Sannik with a good run down the right flank slid the ball across the goalmouth to Omega who scored at the far post. The assist was Sannik’s third of the game after getting two in the first half.
The goal gave a much needed boost to the home side as they struck twice again through in-form striker Lalawmpuia. In the 79th minute, Lalawmpuia completed his hattrick scoring from close on medio Daniel’s through ball.
Into the final minutes of the half, the youngster got his fourth for the second game running after substitute Md. Yasir capitalised on a missed pass and set him up inside the box for an easy finish to round off a well-deserved win.
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