Day 15, Match 13

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Kerala Blasters FC met Atletico de Kolkata on the latter's home pitch, Salt Lake stadium. Pitiably, Kerala couldn't leap forward much in the standing as both the teams had to settle for a draw.

Kerala Blasters FC (1) - Atletico de Kolkata (1)

Kolkata has been under scrutiny after their less than friendly match against FC Goa. Following the controversy Habas(action against Pires) faces a 4 match ban while their star striker, Fikru (physicality against Gregory), has been stated a 2 match ban. Garcia also sat on the bench because a hamstring injury. It was a golden opportunity for James to take advantage of the situation as it was highly probable that their opponent will try to restrict their previously dominating brutal form. There were high expectations from Hume.

Coutesy:GoogleImages

With the kick off, Kerala presented a neat game with crisp passes and greater ball holding, however, Gurwinder Singh, who received a yellow and was the reason for giving away a crucial free kick, did learn nothing from his previous performance. Arnal was seen off side at numerous times. Orji, who usually displays a noteworthy game looked a little weak. Romey pulled Jofre's jersey to bring the captain down on the turf. He received a yellow for that. Baljit Sahni provided a lead to the home team with the help of a selfless pass by the captain. Amidst light drizzling Ian  Hume cancelled Sahni's goal to equalize the game. Referee's decisions of not giving Gurwinder a yellow was questionable. Mehtab was raging all through the first half and was calmed by fellow mates at times.

Coutesy:GoogleImages

Gurwinder continued with his illegitimate tackles in the second half of the game. Kolkata used all the three subs. Orji and Hume are two talented players. They are highly involved in all the chances that the team creates but none is consistent. They can be two dependable mates but have not reached there potential yet. After the head butting series between Fikru and Gregory, it was Mehtab whose face became target for Masih's and Jofre's elbow. James showed lack of instinct in the previous game but this time it was his flair that saved the team from another despair. 'Hero of the Match' award went to Kerala's Ian Hume.

Kerala currently sits on the second last position in the League and Kolkata has been leading since the beginning. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, Kolkata has been vehement in facing its opponent but Kerala has looked firm too. It is rather perplexing to accept that a team like Kerala has not been able to establish itself in the League!

Coutesy:ISL

Our player of the Match is Kerala Blasters' Manager/ Marquee player/ Goalkeeper, David Benjamin James. The English goalie raised his game in this match and saved his team from a possible failure in the injury time. James truly proved to be a hero for the team.