ISL 3: An Exciting affair ends with Dynamos and highlanders sharing the spoils

by Chittu Shetty October 16, 2016

Northeast United came from behind a goal down to draw against Delhi Dynamos, as slip-up from experienced campaigners on both side ensured share of spoils.

Delhi Dynamos had number of chances in the second half but failed to take advantage, as Northeast increase the gap by three points at the top of the table.

Both teams started with entertaining attacking exchanges to get the lead early in the game but ended up missing in front of goal. Marcelinho’s cross was cleared for corner after memo’s shot, the resulting corner saw midfielder Marcos Tebar’s free header from Marcelinho’s corner-kick was misdirected from close distance. Minutes later, at the other end, Subroto Paul saved shots from Milan Singh and Lewis.

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The 28^th minute of the game probably saw the miss of the season, Delhi defender Ruben Gonzalez gave away the ball at dangerous position to Velez, who squared the ball for Alfaro with Goalkeeper out of position and an open goal to his disposal, Alfaro’s attempt at guiding the ball in to the far post went wide of the target as the Scored remained at 0 – 0.

Finally, Dynamos went ahead through a corner, which Paul came of his line to clear, but the former Indian international missed the ball, which fell in to the feet of Kean Lewis who didn’t make any mistake in slotting the ball home. In the added minutes of half time, Lewis had another opportunity to increase the lead, Zokora cleared it just in time, the counter attack gave the Northeast a golden chance to go into the break with a level score, Holicharan Narzary’s cross was headed goal bound by Alfaro, but Rubino goal line cleared it to deny the visitors the goal.

However, six minutes in to the second half, the visitors through Emiliano Alfaro in the 51st minute pulled back the lead. Another defensive mistake from Ruben allowed Velez to run away with the ball. With the keeper coming off his line, Velez picked out Alfaro whose shot was blocked by Delhi defender Chinglensana Singh, the rebound fell for Alfaro again who made no mistake in the second attempt as Northeast were on level terms.

The draw kept NorthEast United FC at the top of the table with 10 points from five matches three points clear from second place Mumbai with seven in four games, while Dynamos are third with five points from three matches.

Delhi Dynamos 1 (Kevin Lewis 38’) – 1 NEUFC (Alfaro 51’)