NorthEast United FC defender Robin Gurung praised his team’s performance as the Highlanders held Kerala Blasters FC goalless in Kochi on Thursday night but also rued his team’s luck and inability to put away the chances that they created.“I think the performance of the team was good, but I think we were unlucky in not converting the chances we created,” the Sikkimese left-back told indiansuperleague.com post the match.Revealing the strategy the visitors adopted during the must win game to keep themselves in the hunt for a top four finish, Gurung said, “We played the first half very cautiously; we were letting them come into our half and trying to hit them on the counter. In the second half I think we played more freely, we created many chances but we couldn’t score.”The Highlanders were reduced to ten men in the second half after James Keene was sent off for retaliation against substitute Michael Chopra. But Gurung expressed sympathy for the men in uniform. “We really can’t say anything about them (the referees). Too much criticism can put a lot of pressure on the referees.” But he yet added, “I don’t think he should have given a red card to Keene because the game changed after that.”Asked for his views on the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), the 22-year-old left back replied, “I think it has been the best experience of my life. I got to play with so many experienced players and legends!” He also thinks the ISL can help youngsters by bringing the game close to aspiring footballers and exposing them to world class players, coaches and training facilities.Signing off with a bit of advice for youngsters, Gurung said, “I would like to say that whatever sport you like to take up, let it be your main focus, do not give up until your dream is fulfilled.”
