NFR on a goal binge, rout RB

NFR attacked from the outset but missed a string of chances. After spurning as many as four chances, Ashoke Nazari drew first blood for NFR in the 25th minute with a long-range shot. Five minutes later, Nazari was again in the thick of action with a powerful cross from right which struck RB defender RS Negi and rolled into goal.

In the 30th minute, hardworking NFR striker Duleshwar Rabha’s corner kick found Joi Prasad Maran and Maran’s header added another to the NFR tally. A minute before the breather, Amitaya Biswas’ low cross saw Nazari head past custodian IS Brar from close range.

Twenty minutes into second half, NFR medio Rathinmoy Roy received a pass on theright flank from Prasanta Bharali and found the net with a curling shot that landed neatly in the far corner.

The sixth goal was by far the best. Rabha’s cross found Roy in the box who neatly intercepted the pass and laid a sitter for Saranthai Marzary. Mazary’s power-packed shot bulged the net. A minute later, Ranjan Debverma unleashed a blistering right foot shot that found the net past a hapless defence.

The Delhi side were no match for the opposition that enjoyed a clear edge on physical fitness. Lack of proper planning did not help their cause either.Playing first, NR opened their scoring early in the sixth minute when Aftaf Ashraf found the net from close range. After that, however, NER kept NR at bay for the rest of the half.

At the other end, Biswanath Deb denied NER’s efforts to score with fine anticipation to preserve the lead at the interval.

After the breather, NR again mounted pressure and were successful in the 58th minute when Bhupinder Sharma swelled the lead after a dummy.

A coupleof minutes later, nippy striker Nimal Thapa added another to NR’s account. In the 71st minute, Ashraf scored his second to make it 4-0.NR completed the rout when defender Mohammad Kamil capped a foray upfield with a left-foot shot inside the area.

NER came close to scoring a consolation goal but Naseem Ahamad and Robin Raja Ronald failed to control when ideally placed.