Day 23, Match 20

Courtesy:ISL

It was FC Pune City vs Northeast United FC. Pune, the home team, won its maiden match against FC Goa while Northeast United has been a strong team throughout the League. With Herbert's decision of playing both the Spaniards, Koke and Capdevila, Pune's stars looked a little weak. However, beating all odds, Pune picked up another three points as Goossens proved to be true to his statement given before their previous match insisting on the importance of winning home games.

FC Pune City (1) - Northeast United (0) 

Courtesy:ISL

During the first half, none of the teams looked any less than the other. Ball could easily reach the box but the dead lock could not be broken. Do's good run which was cleared by Anupam Sarkar, fetched Northeast United a corner but Adinga couldn't turn it into an advantage. Another good opportunity was taken away from the guests as Koke's free kick was stopped by the defence. Pune's midfielder Katsouranis tried to chip in the ball to give the home team some respite but in order to avoid the keeper he shot way above the goal post. Rehenesh saved Northeast from Gurung's strike. Katsourani's pass to Trezeguet, who happened to be in the box, was blocked by Robin. The Northeastern left back who saved his team, gave away a good opportunity by going off side. Selfish Lenny ended up nowhere with his strike. Sarkar's foul on Mtonga in the dying minutes of the first half gave the guest team a free kick but Koke again failed to make it an advantage for the team just before the half time whistle.

Courtesy:ISL

After a thrilling first half, the fans were hoping for a series of raining goals. Their hopes and reality was hundred-to-one as only one goal came from the home team. Adinga blocked Lenny's cross inside the box. Capdevila finally came into action as he used full force to deny the striker. Rehenesh followed Capdevila's attitude to interrupt Gurung's inside the box pass. Goossens came in for Bolado. Keene and Milan for Do and Durga. Dudu substituted Trezeguet. Herbert's final substitution was to replace Felipe for Padilla. After three great chances created by Goossens, an 88' goal ultimately came for the home team. Northeast tried hard to find an equalizer in the injury time but failed miserably.

Courtesy:ISL

Rehenesh TP, we couldn't agree more with the judges. The keeper truly deserves the honour to be 'The Man of the Match' as well as 'Hero of the Match'. The 21 years old young Indian goalie stood up when the Northeastern defence failed. His moves were brilliant. He has a good sense of judging the opposite player and his save against Gurung's strike was brilliant.