CAPITALISE ON GOA’S WOES

the palms of Kamaljit before Lanzarote curled another freekick just wide of the goal at the stroke of half- time.

The second half started on the same note with ATK passing the ball around to try and unlock the Pune defence while the visitors were playing on the counter.

One such counter saw Robin Singh set up Nikhil Poojari from the left wing but the latter’s shot was kept out by an alert Arindam Bhattacharya. create. “With due respect to FC Goa, we know they are an attacking team but if you see their record, they really do concede goals also. We as a team

ATK’s frustration was growing at the other end as Komal Thatal’s cross fell for Balwant who set up Lanzarote. But the Spaniard’s lazy attempt from inside the box was blocked away.

In the 75th minute, Kamaljit did his team no favours by misjudging Lanzarote’s corner. Balwant kept it in and after a mad scramble, Everton Santos blazed it over from close range.

ATK’s persistence was finally rewarded in the should definitely start to win,” said Kerala Blasters assistant coach Thangboi Singto.

Sergio Lobera’s mantra of outscoring opponents is working fine for FC Goa as they find themselves at the top of the ISL table. They have scored 18 goals from six games with an average of three per match. However, they have a fragile defence which Kerala Blasters will be looking to target. “We play an attacking form of football which means we have to take more risks. I think it is ( going to be) a good game. I consider Kerala to be a direct rival for us,” said the FC Goa chief coach. 82nd minute when Lanzarote found Jayesh Rane with space down the right with a lovely backheel. The substitute’s cross into the six- yard box was glanced in by Gerson who had made the foray forward from defence.

That would turn out to be the match- winner as ATK held on to the lead comfortably for a moraleboosting win.

Result: ATK 1 ( Gerson 82) bt FC Pune City 0.