Win still eludes Pune FC

The high intensity game was a treat to watch for the crowd,which included Pune FC’s next opponents Mohun Bagan and the Indian Hockey team. The home team were playing with a depleted squad with injuries to the likes of Chika,Edmar and with Sergey Tokov starting on the bench.

The game was off to a slow start with both teams trying to find their feet in the first ten minutes. Lajong FC found it difficult to get used to the patchy and slippery conditions of the pitch. Pune FC won an early free kick but Douhou struck it straight tothe hands of the keeper. Lajong were passing the ball well initially but they failed to get any of their shots on target.

Pune FC increased the momentum while Lajong sat back an launched some dangerous counter attacks. Venkatesh had a chance to score with an over head kick but the keeper managed to tip the shot over the bar. Lajong striker Tuboi had a couple of opportunities to score but scuffed both his shots. PFC’s Douhou controlled the midfield with his delightful touches and passing but the width was missing. The half ended 0-0.

The second half saw the PFC coach bring about a change in tactics. Muthu, was replaced by Anees Koraliyadan to give the team some width on the left hand side. Within a few minutes,however,a bad challenge by the Lajong player resulted in an injury to Anees and he had to replaced by Sergey Tokov. Lajong FC initially had a good spell of play when they won four corners in ten minutes. But their lack of height resulted in wasteful attempts.

In the 63rd minute,against the run of play,Venkatesh gave his team the lead with a miraculous effort. ‘Venky’ turned the defender on his left side and unleashed an unstoppable shot. The keeper Gumpe Rime was slow to react and the ball thudded into the net.

PFC then dominated possession until they reached the panicky last fifteen minutes. Lajong now were stringing some good attacks together most of which were orchestrated by midfielder Bidemi. They had a number of half-chances but none that troubled the keeper. The match then went into stoppage time and all the Pune FC supporter were getting ready to celebrate their team’s first victory. But a shot from 40 yards out struck the hand of a PFC defender just inside the box and the referee

Francisco Fernandes pointed to the spot. Bidemi converted the spot kick with ease and with it broke the hearts of at least 6,000 supporters.