I- League : NEROCA FC climb to top position with 1-0 win over Gokulam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 04 2018:
Local favourites, NEROCA FC secured another 1 -0 win against Kerala Gokulam FC to reach top spot of league table of the ongoing I-League 2017-18 today at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in their sixth home match.
Varney Kallon's 43rd minute goal was more than enough for NEROCA FC to race on top of the table displacing Minerva FC.
The local side took off the game aggressively keeping their citadel intact.
The majaority of the first half saw relentless efforts from the home side opening goal mouth on multiple occasions.
The Australian import, Aryn Williams led the home team from the beginning of the match and went too close to the target a couple of times.
His shot from inside the box in the early part of the game was cleared valiantly by Mohammed Irshad.
The Australian once again came very close to score in the 24th minute when he was one on one with rivals' keeper Bilal Khan but his shot went wide.
A1 Ajmi who were leading the visitor, on the other end was also trying to open up but missed a chance as his shot following a cross from Salman hit the crossbar in the 28th minute.
NEROCA custodian Bishoijit Singh had absolutely no chance of saving had the ball been on target.
Kallon taking a chance of comer kick broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute.
The defender took advantage of a fumble from Bilal Khan and put the ball into the back of the net at the stroke of half-time.
The home team deservingly went into the break with a one-goal lead after dominating proceedings in the first 45 minutes.
The second half also saw a clean game from both teams.
Felix Chidi and Subash Singh were a constant threat to the visitors who had no chance of getting back into the game.
The last ten minutes also witnessed a series of intrusive runs upon the visitors but the runs were fended off well by Gokulam's defence eventually leading to 1-0 win for the hosts.
With this win, NEROCA FC are on the top of the table with 27 points from 14 matches (8 wins and 3 draws) while MINERVA FC, the closest competitor are sitting in the second spot with 26 points from 12 matches.
NEROCA FC will now host Northeastern rivals Aizawl FC on February 10 .