Pune, India – DSK Shivajians FC and Bengaluru FC played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in a Hero I-League Round-15 encounter at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Mhalunge-Balewadi, Pune on Wednesday.
In a high tempo game, Eugeneson Lyngdoh (34th minute) put Bengaluru FC ahead in the first half before striker Pierrick Dipanda (37th min) levelled scores three minutes later for DSK Shivajians.
The point earned took DSK Shivajians’ tally to 14 points from 13 games as they moved up to sixth placed in the table while Bengaluru FC stay second with 26 points. Nonetheless, DSK Shivajians would consider this as a missed opportunity having hit the post once and denied by the keeper on multiple occasions.
Going into this crucial game, Coach Derrick Pereira opted to field the same lineup from the last match while making a couple of change on the bench.
The game began in end-to-end fashion with either side going close in the opening exchanges. While winger Baljit Singh blasted an effort over for the hosts in the 4th minute, Subrata Paul denied Daniel Lalhlimpuia three minutes later at the other end.
Both sides continued to create chances as the half progressed. However, despite the hosts creating the most chances, it was the visitors Bengaluru FC who broke the deadlock in the 34th minute.
A freak foul from Baljit earned Bengaluru FC a freekick 25-yards out and Sunil Chhetri’s dipping effort on the set-piece was parried away by goalkeeper Subrata Paul at the first post. The ball fell loose after hitting the woodwork and Eugeneson snatched onto it beating the offside trap before scoring from close.
Having conceded, DSK Shivajians didn’t lose their concentration and bounced back immediately pulling level three minutes later. A quick interplay between playmaker Douhou and medio Juan Quero saw the Spaniard get into the clear on the left before chipping in a neat cross at the far post. Skipper Pierrick, unmarked in the box, made no mistake in slotting home his header sending the home fans into raptures with his sixth goal of the campaign.
The first half ended with both sides locked at 1-1.
The second half began in exact similar fashion to the first with both sides engaged in an end-to-end battle. Attack-after-attack from both the forward lines dominated the opening quarter.
After creating several half chances, DSK Shivajians almost took the lead at the hour mark only to be denied by the woodwork. Baljit ran clear on the right and curled in a perfect cross to find Pierrick in the box who connected with a brilliant diving header which agonisingly came off the woodwork.
Both sides went all out attack into the final thirty minutes of the game. While DSK Shivajians had close chances through Quero, Douhou and Baljit, visitors Bengaluru FC too went close through CK Vineeth and Daniel.
Into the final five minutes of the game, Pierrick almost put the game to rest. This time his powerful low shot on Quero’s set up was parried away by an outstretched Amrinder Singh in the Bengaluru FC goal.
Moments later, Bengaluru FC had a close chance of their own when Thoi Singh got clear in the box. His attempt from ten-yards was however brilliantly saved by Subrata Paul. Both sides had a couple of chances late on before the game ended 1-1.
Hero of the Match: Subrata Paul (DSK Shivajians)
