Chennaiyin FC eked out a 1 – 0 win over FC Pune City in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. Gregory Nelson’s late strike ensured that the 2015 Hero ISL champions continued their unbeaten run against the Stallions.

The game started on an even pace with both teams taking turns to carry forward the charge. It was the visitors who fashioned three quick opportunities, all of which should have got them a goal. First in the eighth minute, Emilano Alfaro put Diego Carlos through on goal with a defence-splitting pass. The latter’s shot was blocked by on-rushing custodian Karanjit Singh and the rebound fell kindly for Ashique Kuruniyan, whose rather tame effort was blocked by Chennai’s Mailson Alves.

Couple of minutes later and Alfaro this time found Kuruniyan with a lovely lofted ball, which required only a tap-in for the goal, but the 20-year-old miscued his effort which went off target. The Stallions went even closer in the 12^th minute when Carlos cut in from the right flank and unleashed a curled effort towards the far post. However, much to his and the Pune fans’ bemusement, the Brazilian’s shot only managed to rattle the crossbar.

However, against the run of play, it was Chennaiyin who should have taken the lead in the 25^th minute. Nelson was deemed to have been unfairly bundled to the ground inside the penalty box by Adil Khan, and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. Rene Mihelic stepped up for the spot kick, which had no power on it and Stallions keeper Vishal Kaith came up with the save.

Five minutes past the half-hour mark, and Pune were once more knocking on the door when Carlos cut in again from the right and fired a low shot on goal. Karanjit though was equal to it with a splendid save, and an off-balance Alfaro could not make most of the rebound. That proved to be the last piece of action from an entertaining but goalless half.

The second period started with less intensity as both teams were satisfied playing the ball in the middle of the park without attacking the final third. The 58^th minute saw Pune’s full-back Sahil Panwar going for an audacious effort from long range which flashed wide of the upright.

However, when the deadlock was finally broken, it was the home team who got on the scoresheet seven minutes from time. Substitute Raphael Augusto fed a pass to Nelson, and the Dutchman cut in from the right and slotted the ball past Kaith to give his team the lead. The visitors tried to push for an equaliser, but the Chennai defence held strong with three points as Chennaiyin rose to the top of the league table.

MATCH AWARDS

Club Award: Chennaiyin FC

Swift Moment of the Match: Vishal Kaith

DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Raphael Augusto

Amul Fittest Player: Gregory Nelson

Emerging Player: Ashique Kuruniyan

Hero of the Match: Mailson Alves

Watch the match highlights here: