Day 15, Match 14, Pune's first win!

Courtesy:ISL

The Maharashtrian derby is back again and this time it was FC Pune City and FC Goa. Both the teams have not been able to create any major impact in the League, staying firmly in the lower half of the standings. Robert Pires of FC Goa has been banned for two matches following his action with Kolkata's manager, Habas. The absence of the Marquee player costed the team a great deal as they lost 2-0 to FC Pune City. For Pune it was an important win as it was their first home game.

FC Pune City (2) - FC Goa (0)

Courtesy:ISL

FC Pune City gave a delight to the home audience as they acquired lead in the first half itself. The visitors had higher ball possession and created better chances through the efforts of Gabriel, Bengelloun and Martins. Their passes were strong and did give mini heart attacks to Pune. However, the game changed after Gabriel was replaced by Romeo because of an injury. The later part of the first half belonged to the home team. The Brazilian defender, Santos, who is used as a winger in the League put in great efforts to save his team but an off side header costed the them a great deal. Katsouranis' 42nd min goal came as a blow to Goa but provided content to the home team.

Courtesy:ISL

Pune energetically started the second half with two on target corners. Palacios' pretend dive led him to a yellow card. Gregory was involved in the head butting series with Fikru (Fikru is banned for two matches). He did not restraint himself from adopting his previous match's attitude and put a strong challenge on Palacios giving the home team a dangerous free kick. This was the time when Zico's men were to raise their game and be extra cautious in giving unnecessary fouls. Santos missed again as the ball could not beat the cross bar. His next effort too was denied an equalizer. Gregory's bad timing for the pass led to Trezeguet's maiden goal of the League. The home side was two goals ahead of the visitors. 'Hero of the Match' was  Pune's Katsourani.

Courtesy:GoogleImages

Our Player of the Match is FC Goa's Andre Clarindo dos Santos. Zico used the fellow Brazilian as a winger and he created a great impact in the game. It was Santos who looked reliable. We see great potential in the Fenerbahce player.

          ** we suggest Zico to drop Gregory for the next match.