Jamshedpur FC played out a 1-1 draw with Steve Coppell’s ATK in their first home match of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 campaign, hosted at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Sunday.

  • Sergio Cidoncha opened the scoring for Jamshedpur from a free-kick in the 35th minute
  • Manuel Lanzarote bagged his first goal for ATK, scoring directly from a corner in the 45th minute to equal proceedings.
  • The result means ATK are yet to win a match against Jamshedpur over the two seasons.

The hosts started the better of the two sides, dominating ball possession and forcing ATK to sit deep in their own half. However, Jamshedpur would have to wait till the 15th minute to muster up their first real chance of the match. Michael Soosairaj showed great skill to beat his man down the left wing before delivering the ball towards the penalty box. Cidoncha collected the ball on the turn before firing one straight at Arindam Bhattacharja, who fisted the ball out of danger. 

However, Cidoncha would go on to get the better of ATK’s goalkeeper later on in the half when his long-range free-kick crept into the net. Questions will be raised over Bhattacharja’s handling of the ball as the goalkeeper was given ample time to see off the shot.

With Jamshedpur continuing to dominate play, it looked as though they would enter the break with a deserved one-goal advantage. But against the run of play, Lanzarote brought ATK back level, scoring directly from a corner. This time Subhasish Roy was at fault as he failed to judge the flight of the Spaniard’s delivery. That proved to be the final noteworthy incident of an action-packed first half which ended 1-1.

The second half started on a tame note with neither side able to create any real chances. However, Tim Cahill was presented with a golden chance to give the hosts the lead in the 63rd minute. A brilliant cross from Mario Arques found Cahill, who leapt above Gerson Vieira to head the ball goalward, but could only manage to direct the shot straight into the hands of the ATK custodian.

As the half wore on, the intensity of the match dropped a notch as both sides seemed happy to share the spoils. The likes of Lanzarote and Everton Santos tried to find the winner for ATK, but could not break down Tiri and Co. Arques had a half chance for the hosts in added time, but could not direct his header on target. In the end, the encounter ended 1-1 with Jamshedpur taking a point from their first home match of the season.

HERO OF THE MATCH

Cidoncha was the lynchpin of Jamshedpur’s play, owing to his creative prowess and smart runs between the lines of the ATK defence. The Spaniard deservedly got his name on the scoresheet, albeit through a goalkeeping error. If the forward can maintain his form going ahead into the season, fans can expect plenty of goals through the season.

CLUB AWARDS

Club Award – Jamshedpur and ATK

Swift Limitless Player of the Match – Pronay Halder

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Mario Arques

ISL Emerging Player of the Match – Michael Soosairaj

Hero of the Match – Sergio Cidoncha 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Jamshedpur travel to face NorthEast United FC next on October 25, while ATK host defending champions Chennaiyin FC on October 26.

Visit our videos section to view the match highlights and the photos section for exclusive images from the match. 

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Jamshedpur FC 2018-2019Match Report