Jamshedpur win 1-0, remain in top four

JAMSHEDPUR: Wellington Priori’s goal from an overhead kick was enough to give Jamshedpur FC a vital 1-0 victory over Northeast United FC on Saturday to keep them in the top four of the Indian Super League.

Steve Coppell’s side have now won three matches in a row at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur, and occupy the third spot with 25 points, the same as second-placed FC Pune City who have a better goal-difference and a match in hand.

Priori’s incredible goal came in the 50th minute. It was a long throw in from Izu Azuka which found Wellington in the box. He controlled it with his thigh and then executed the perfect overhead kick to give Jamshedpur the lead.

The strike overshadowed goalkeeper Subrata Paul’s achievement of becoming the first man to keep 20 clean sheets in the ISL.

After a goalless first session, the deadlock was broken minutes after Coppell had introduced Mehtab Hossain for Ashim Biswas. It looked defensive on paper but gave them stability in midfield. Priori kept growing in confidence for the rest of the half as well.

For Northeast United, Seiminlen Doungel was picked out by Robert Lalthlamuana with a fine cross but the header was wayward and Jamshedpur went forward with creativity as well. Souvik Chakrabarti delivered a threatening ball from the right but neither of the two red shirts in the box could read it.

MUMBAI TAKE ON PUNE

MUMBAI: Hosts Mumbai City FC will be eager to record a crucial win against FC Pune City here on Sunday. Mumbai are seventh with 17 points from 13 matches and need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Pune are second with 25 points after 14 matches.