Kolkata: Pune FC’s nine-match (includes Mohun Bagan game) unbeaten streak was halted with a 0-2 loss to Prayag United SC in a Round 15 I-League encounter at the Kalyani Stadium, on Wednesday.
The result was something Pune FC so desperately hoped to avoid in order to stay abreast with top-spot leadership on the table, but it final analysis the team had their chances and could not force the advantage.
Second half goals by midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick (68th) and striker Ranti Martins (85th) left all Pune FC efforts undone. However, the outcome would have been much different had Pune FC not allowed three gilt-edged chances go abegging
The loss was Pune FC’s third of this season and remains static on second position with 28 points, behind Churchill Brothers (31 points). In the first-leg, Pune FC won 3-1 at home.
Pune FC went into the game making two changes in their playing eleven from the last match. In the defence, Caitano Costa replaced Gurjinder Kumar, while Subash Singh made way for Khanthang Paite.
As a result, Pune FC played with a lone striker in James Moga upfront, with Douhou playing ahead of his central midfield position for assist.
Pune FC’s urgency o get on often found Moga caught off side. A break from this situation in the 12th minute had Moga find the side netting from close.
After dominating the midfield, Pune FC created the best chance of the match. Karma Tsewang rushed to gain control of a miss-trap by C.Vineeth mid-way into Pune FC half in the 22nd minute. A quick release to Douhou followed by a long cross over to Moga on the right saw the striker hop away from Bello Razzak’s sliding tackle on the top of the box. Once in control, Moga turned and squared a pass past a foxed Dhanachandra, Gouramangi, Kottayil for Douhou on the left. The Pune FC skipper with just ‘keeper Sangram Mukherjee upfront sent the ball over from inside the box.
Pune FC’s next chance was initiated by Arata. In the 39th minute Arata from his half played to Douhou who found Moga wide on the right. The striker, on the touchline, rounded his marker Dhanachandra and set up Douhou who had worked himself up. However, Douhou’s try from outside the box ended with a deflection off defender Gouramangi past the second post for corner-kick.
Four minutes from half time, Karma on the right flank was quick to beat two rival players and released to Moga who was just inside the penalty box. Moga pushed in and kept off Bello, but ended getting checked inside the 6-yard box by the outstretched defenders’ leg.
At half time, both teams remain 0-0, with Pune FC boasting of two best on-goal chances.
A minute later, Pune FC goalkeeper Abhra was tested from a try from over 35-yards out. Dhanachandra with an angular aimed at the second post did well ensure the ball dropped a yard short of Abhra who in-turn had to dive full length to keep the ball out. The try was the closest, PUSC had in the game.
The hosts grew in confidence which led to a goal. Deepak Modal on the right found Oraon, left unmarked by Costa, to play a wall pass, which beat Paite in stride. Mondol’s cross was headed by Chika and then Costa, only to have Lalkamal on the run lob in an outstepped volley ahead of Mumtaz which curled to the top corner at the near post.
Five minutes from the end, Mondal forced a run mid-way from his half. Once again finding Oraon he raced down the flank to receive the release. The run beat a retrieving Costa, the cross had Anas cover Oraon’s advances resulting in Ranti chesting the ball at the far side ahead of Srikant and release an angled finish.
