Delhi Dynamos FC overcame an in-form FC Pune City side 3-1 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on Sunday to extend their unbeaten run to six. For Pune, the defeat marked their first loss under new head coach Phil Brown since he took over in January.

Delhi began the match as the more potent side, keeping the ball and spraying passes around the pitch. Soon enough, the Lions made their spell of dominance count and took the lead. Romeo delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right wing, which fell perfectly in Chhangte’s path. The winger took a first-time volley which hit the underside of the crossbar and ended up inside the Pune goal.

However, the hosts responded well and equalised only six minutes later through Poojary. The youngster, who came into the squad in place of the injured Diego Carlos, picked up the ball near the right wing. He then drifted inside and scored with a fierce shot from 25 yards out.

But Delhi fought back and regained the lead on the 30th minute. Romeo once again caused havoc down the right wing with his pace and directness. This time, the winger drove down the wing before having a crack at goal from distance. The ball took a big deflection off Sahil Panwar before looping over Kamaljit Singh and into the goal.

Phil Brown’s side was presented with a big chance to equalise just before the referee blew for half-time. Rohit Kumar picked up the ball just outside the box before firing in a stinging low-drive. Francisco Dorronsoro produced a good save to ensure that the Lions went into the break with a deserved 2-1 lead.

With Pune throwing bodies forward to find an equaliser after the restart, Delhi took advantage and extended their lead on the 52nd minute. Gianni Zuiverloon received the ball inside the box before laying it off for Ulises Davila, who forced a fine save from Kamaljit. However, the rebound fell perfectly for Daniel Lalhlimpuia, who had the simple task of tapping the ball into the empty net.

Delhi had a strong foothold on the match in the second-half and very nearly scored their fourth goal of the night on the 73rd minute. Some neat intricate play near the edge of the box resulted in substitute Rene Mihelic releasing the ball for Davila. The Mexican struck a shot which beat Kamaljit in but hit the outside of the far post before going out of danger.

The match took an unnecessary turn towards the end, when Marcelo Pereira’s challenge on Dorronsoro sparked off a spat between both sides. The referee was left with no choice but to send the Brazilian off for his second bookable offence of the night. Delhi held their ground and defended valiantly to register only their fourth victory of the season.

Hero of the Match - Vinit Rai

Vinit Rai was a lynchpin in midfield for Delhi with his creativity and composure. He put in a solid shift at the middle of the park and was deservedly awarded the Hero of the Match.

Match awards

Club Award – Delhi Dynamos FC

Swift Limitless Player of the Match – Lallianzuala Chhangte

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Romeo Fernandes

ISL Emerging Player of the Match – Rohit Kumar

Hero of the Match – Vinit Rai

What’s next?

Pune City will play their final match of the season at home against Mumbai City FC on March 2, while Delhi finish their league campaign away to ATK on March 3.

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2018-2019Match Report