Two-time champions ATK were held to a 1 – 1 draw by FC Goa in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday. Robbie Keane scored for the Kolkata outfit second match in a row, only for the league’s current top-scorer Ferran Corominas to cancel that out and ensure the spoils were shared. The visitors had some inconvenience while arriving as they only managed to rush from the airport to the stadium in time for the match.

Speaking to the media during the post-match press conference was ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham, who voiced his disappointment at not being able to make full use of the Gaurs’ disadvantage. “We put our foot on the gas in the first five to ten minutes and we got an early lead,” he inferred. “But we’ve had a rough day as well. We were undecided when we were going to be playing, if we were going to be playing. It’s been a tough couple of days. I think it showed in both teams’ performance but it’s been a tiring day. It was hard work for a lot of players out there.”

The Englishman further added that given the scenario, either team could have won. “It’s been a frustrating day,” he stated. “I think it showed on everybody. Not just their team but our team as well. It was a hard day at the office but I think overall kind of pleased with the point. I think they showed some very good signs. They’re a very good footballing team. We knew that would be the case. We matched up to them as much as we could. Either team could’ve won it. It ended as a happy draw for both teams.”

The former Manchester United striker also praised the passionate ATK fans for staying back late to support the home team. “They (the fans) were fantastic!” Sheringham exclaimed. “We were expecting a big crowd today after the results that we’ve had and winning games always bring confidence. I’m delighted that many stayed back. They could have thrown in the towel after being told for the third time that it was going to be delayed. They stuck with us and we are very thankful for that.”