Pune FC recorded a truly inspiring win they were eagerly awaiting with a 2-1 win over Sporting Clube Goa in an I-League 2012-13 Round-8 encounter at the Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.
The initiative began with the Subash Singh’s brace, the first in the 42nd minute and then in 66nd second to register their first ever win, against the Goan club in their backyard on their third trial.
As far as Sporting Clube de Goa is considered, striker Obiora Richard scored a goal to open the day’s scoring.
Pune thus realized their second away win and fourth of the season to take their points tally to 13. Pune FC, who have powered their way back with a spectacular display was a round short, thus moved up into provisional 5th position on the league table.
Requiring a win after a worthless draw at home against United Sikkim FC, it was Coach Derrick Pereira who altered half their playing eleven that showed up in the last round.
Earlier, before getting into the match, Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira said, “The players need to pull up their socks and put on a better performance. They need to work as a team.” With hardly any time to concentrate on game plan and their drawbacks due to the tight schedule of the league, Pune FC on Monday evening had a strategic meeting as well after a prolonging session hours after arrival.
The changes included; goalkeeper Abhra Mondal (for Shahinlal Meloly), defender Chika Wali (Caitano Costa), midfielders Mumtaz Akthar (Arata Izumi), Khangtang Paite (Daisuke Nishiguch) and Subash Singh (Jeje Lalpekhlua).
Subash ensured the first corner inside the opening moments of the game to display their intentions clearly.
In the 5th minute, a coordinated move down the right had James Moga pull back to Douhou Pierre, whose deft chip saw Khangtang Paite beat the off side trap but fail to keep his header down.
Seven minutes later, Subash had a magnificent chance to provide Pune FC the lead. Khangthang Paite found Subash on the left. The prolific striker with a quick one-two with Douhou managed well to use his rhythm, control over the ball and work ahead a 10-yard run.
Subash, with only 'keeper Ashok Singh upfront remained with his attempt blocked.
As far as their previous game with Sikkim is considered, “The playing eleven will have changes for sure,” said Pereira and added, “The midfield has to work as a unit. I hope that the last match (vs United Sikkim FC) was a one-off, but honestly I never expected to see them perform in the way they did.”
The Goans, eventually, played an exhaustive game and gradually built their attacks. During one such moment into the Pune FC half, Jovel Martins tried Abhra, who pulled off a perfect block and resulted in a corner-kick.
The win brought life into Pune FC chances later with substitute Arata (on for Paite) trying his best to ensure an attempt, which instead went past the goalmouth and a minute later Gurjinder Kumar struck the second post from long.
