Boosted by the return of Iain Hume, FC Pune City picked up their first victory of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 after beating Jamshedpur FC 2-1, courtesy a late goal. It was also Jamshedpur’s first loss of the campaign and ended their seven-match unbeaten streak.

The three points helped Pune move out from the bottom spot of the table. The Stallions leapfrogged Delhi Dynamos FC and Chennaiyin FC to occupy the eighth spot in the standings.

  • Diego Carlos put the hosts in front after just five minutes.
  • Sumeet Passi levelled the score for Jamshedpur on the 10th minute.
  • Pune defender Matt Mills scored late in the match to ensure Pune get their first win of the season.

Pune got off to a dream start with only five minutes on the clock. Diego Carlos, who returned to the side after serving a three-match suspension, won the ball near the half-line and marauded forward with pace. The Jamshedpur defence backed off a little too much giving him the time and space to unleash a shot. Carlos grabbed the opportunity with both hands and placed his shot perfectly past a diving Subrata Paul.

Jamshedpur responded to going behind with a flurry of attacks of their own. Passi’s instinctive shot from Tiri’s flick-on brought out the best in Kamaljit Singh. The Pune custodian made a brilliant save to preserve the Stallions' lead.

Just minutes later, Pune’s Marcelo Pereira tested Subrata at the other end. The goalkeeper did well to keep the Brazilian's dipping shot out.

On the 10th minute, the visiting team found their equaliser. Carlos Calvo did well to find space on the left flank and floated in a spectacular cross for an unmarked Passi, who made no mistakes heading it home.

Despite being a doubt going into the match, Ashique Kuruniyan was a lively presence on the field and almost restored Pune's lead on the 17th minute. His thunderous half-volley had Subrata beat but hit the crossbar.

Locked at 1-1 going into the break, both teams had everything to play for in the second-half.

Both teams looked to seize the initiative after play resumed and the Stallions almost got the all-important second goal three minutes into the second-half. Marcelo set up Robin Singh for a shot but the striker couldn't find the target with his shot.

Jamshedpur piled on the pressure and carved out a few half chances, but the Stallions defended resolutely to keep the charge at bay. On the hour mark, Robin got another golden opportunity to put Pune in the lead. Ashique’s pinpoint cross just needed Robin to keep his header on target but the striker's effort was wayward.

Robin was almost immediately replaced by Hume, who was making his debut in the Pune shirt. The Canadian also became the only foreign player to feature in all five editions of the Hero ISL with the appearance.

Hume’s presence provided an immediate boost to the Stallions, with Marcelo looking more like his usual self as the match entered its last quarter. Jamshedpur, too, made a few forward forays and came close with Carlos Calvo on the 78th minute.

The defining moment finally came for the relentless Stallions on the 86th minute. Substitute Marko Stankovic’s dangerous corner made its way past a raft of bodies inside the Jamshedpur box before finding Matt Mills. The defender's glancing header crept inside the Jamshedpur goal to the delight of the home fans. Pune managed to hold on for the win despite the away team's best efforts.

HERO OF THE MATCH – Ashique Kuruniyan

Ashique Kuruniyan put his best foot forward and contributed tirelessly both in attack and defence. The youngster’s pace and direct-running consistently worried the Jamshedpur back-line. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but was undoubtedly the most impressive individual on the pitch.

CLUB AWARDS 

Club Award – FC Pune City

Swift Limitless Player of the Match – Carlos Calvo

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Marko Stankovic

ISL Emerging Player of the Match – Jerry Mawhmingthanga

Hero of the Match – Ashique Kuruniyan

WHAT’S NEXT?

Pune will look to keep hold of the momentum when they host NorthEast United FC on November 27, while Jamshedpur will play host to Chennaiyin FC on November 25.

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Jamshedpur FC 2018-2019