Hume hat-trick in Blasters win
NEW DELHI: Delhi Dynamos came into their first home game of 2018 knowing they needed a win to keep any chances of making the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs alive. But Kerala Blasters had other ideas and powered by Iain Hume’s hat-trick, handed the struggling Dynamos their seventh loss of the ISL 2017-18 season.
It was just the result — a 3-1 verdict — new manager David James would have wanted and whilst the Dynamos in current form might not be the sternest of opponents, momentum is an important aspect in league football. This result is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Kochibased franchise, something their vociferous fans made apparent at the end of the game.
For Delhi, the problems — especially in defence — just continue to grow. A fighting 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC in their previous game before this one seemed to indicate a shift in momentum, but this loss takes them right back to square one.
Indeed, it was a defensive error that led to the first goal. Courage Pekuson found himself in room and fired in a low cross, which was deflected goalwards by Gabriel Cichero. Hume got the last touch and rightfully claimed his first goal of the night.
Delhi continued to press on for an equaliser after the early goal but could not do much to threaten Subhashish Chowdhury in goal until the end of the first half.
Lallianzuala Chhangte won a free-kick on the left flank. Delhi played it quick and Romeo Fernandes fired in a good cross that was headed home by skipper Pritam Kotal. Delhi were back in the game right at the stroke of half-time.
Unfortunately f or Miguel Angel Portugal’s men, that was as good as it got. Jerome Lumu could have put the home side in front early in the second half but scuffed his shot.