Blasters still in play-off hunt with 1-0 win over NEUFC

GUWAHATI: Kerala Blasters FC are still breathing in the Indian Super League after notching a tough 1-0 victory over NorthEast United FC here on Saturday.

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown scored his first goal in the ISL and his fantastic header in the 28th minute was enough for Kerala Blasters to walk away with full points. The three crucial points took their tally to 24 from 16 matches and helped move close to the play-off spots. With two matches still left to be played, Kerala will know they have a chance, if one of the teams above slip-up.

NorthEast United’s disappointing campaign continued and they are just above Delhi Dynamos FC at the bottom of the table.Former Chelsea FC manager Avram Grant will be disappointed that he has not been able to turn around NorthEast’s fortunes, the way David James, who played under him at Portsmouth in 2010, has done with Kerala Blasters. The Blasters have now won three of their last four matches and drawn one.

This one was straight forward with Kerala Blasters getting a goal in the first-half and then sitting down to defend. NorthEast United were once again left disappointed as they had the majority of the ball and had more shots on goal but nothing to show in the end. The only goal of the match came in the 28th minute through a corner-kick. Jackichand Singh floated a ball inside the goalmouth and Brown showed he still has it in him as he escaped the home team defenders and then finished with a powerful header.

MUMBAI NEED TO WIN

KOLKATA: Defending champions ATK will hope to salvage pride when they lock horns with Mumbai City FC here on Sunday. Mumbai still have a chance to make it to the top four.