Jamshedpur FC notched up a 2 – 1 win over Mumbai City FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday. Sanju Pradhan’s own goal gave Jamshedpur the lead at half time before Everton Santos grabbed the equaliser in the second period. The league debutants had the last say when substitute Bikash Jairu grabbed the winner late on.

The game began with most of the ball being played in the midfield area, as neither teams threatened in the final third. The visitors created the first opening in the eighth minute when Izu Azuka’s pass slipped Farukh Choudhary through on goal, but with the angle slightly against the latter, custodian Amrinder Singh came off his lines and saved the shot.

Azuka was the next to try his luck when he latched on to a loose ball in the 21^st minute and shot wide of the target from outside the box. A couple of minutes after the half-hour mark, the Islanders fashioned their first real opportunity when Marcio Rozario struck a free-kick from the edge of the box which flashed inches wide of the woodwork.

Seven minutes from the break and Jamshedpur broke the deadlock in a scrappy manner. Farukh’s scuffed shot after being put through on goal came off the retreating Rozario and with the ball creeping towards the goal-line, Sanju Pradhan made a last-ditch attempt to clear it, but ended up smashing it into the roof of his own net instead.

The hosts almost responded immediately when three minutes later Sahil Tavora put his laces through the ball from just inside the box. His shot though was directed straight at goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who beat the ball away. That proved to be the last bit of action from the half, as the league debutants went into the half-time interval with a one-goal advantage.

Four minutes before the hour-mark Thiago had a big chance to score the leveller. Balwant Singh squared the ball to him from the right flank, but the Brazilian failed to tap the ball home. Balwant then had two glorious opportunities for the equaliser himself.

His header from Sanju Pradhan’s cross looked destined for the top corner, but Paul stretched himself to make a great save. Soon after, it was Everton who found an unmarked Balwant with his cross from the right. However, the latter somehow managed to put a free header wide.

The 66^th minute saw the Islanders come agonizingly close. Sanju came in from the right and drilled a powerful shot on target. Paul though got his fingertips to the shot, which helped the ball off the upright. Eight minutes later Jamshedpur got their first chance of the half. Jerry Mawihmingthanga found himself in a one-on-one situation with Amrinder, who narrowed the angle for the shot to come up with a good save.

Eleven minutes from full-time, the home team finally got a much-deserved equaliser. Thiago’s corner found Everton, who managed to bundle the ball into the net. Parity lasted just five minutes, however, as two of Jamshedpur’s substitutes got involved. Kervens Belfort’s shot was saved at point-blank range by Amrinder, but Jairu was perfectly placed to guide the ball into the back of the net. It was the last noteworthy chance of the match as Jamshedpur leaped to fourth spot on the points table.

MATCH AWARDS

Club Award: Jamshedpur FC

Swift Moment of the Match: Bikash Jairu

DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Izu Azuka

Amul Fittest Player: Everton Santos

Emerging Player: Farukh Choudhary

Hero of the Match: Subrata Paul

Watch the match highlights here: