Last Gasp goal from Balwant Singh helps ATK reclaim top spot
A last-gasp header from substitute Balwant Singh saw ATK pip NorthEast United 1-0 and go top of the Hero Indian Super League ladder at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Monday.
The hosts created plenty of chances but were wasteful until an injury-time strike from substitute Balwant proved to be the difference. Despite his absence from the touchline, Antonio Habas’ side return to the top of the table, level on points with FC Goa who also have 27 points from 14 matches. The Highlanders remain ninth with 11 points from as many games.
In-form ATK striker Roy Krishna had the NorthEast defence on red alert early on with his dangerous runs off the ball. After a couple of unsuccessful runs down the right flank, Prabir Das delivered an excellent cross in his third try and it almost found Krishna’s run into the box, until Kai Heering made a crucial interception to deny the Fijian a shot on target.
The visitors had their first sight of the ATK goal minutes later. Having received the ball outside the box, midfielder Lalengmawia beat his marker, entered the box and sent his effort just wide. The tempo of the game slowed down after the early attempts at both ends. ATK looked more likely to open the scoring but couldn’t find a way past an organized NorthEast defence.
Both goalkeepers were called into action just before the break. Edu Garcia slid a clever through-ball into the box for Krishna in the 39th minute. The ATK striker’s shot from a one-on-one situation was saved by Subhasish Roy Chowdhury with his feet. At the stroke of half-time, a Ninthoinganba Meetei cross met Martin Chaves whose header from inside the box forced a fingertip save from goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya.
Also Read: India Khelo Football Initiative begins January 26th
Robert Jarni hoped to gain a foothold in the game by bringing on Jose Leudo and Federico Gallego as the teams walked out for the second half but the hosts continued to threaten.
The influential Garcia once again produced a brilliant through-ball into the box, this time for Michael Soosairaj who ran in behind the defence and attempted to poke a finish into the net. With the keeper well beaten, Mislav Komorski’s goalline clearance kept the scoreline intact.
Defender Pritam Kotal was next in line to be presented with another big chance to score in the 68th minute. A Javier Hernandez free-kick caused chaos inside the box and the ball looped towards Kotal whose impatient strike flew over the bar.
There were chances for both teams to settle the matter towards the end. Nikhil Kadam’s through-ball almost sent Gallego through on goal but for Arindam’s quick intervention. At the other end, Mislav Komorski came up with two crucial interventions to deny Krishna and Prabir Das.
Just when it looked like the teams would have to share the spoils, substitute Balwant produced a match-winner in the last of the four added minutes. The striker, who came off the bench for Edu Garcia in the 90th minute and was left unmarked inside the box for a Hernandez corner-kick, headed the ball into the net to the delight of the home crowd.
– Courtesy ISL Media
For ISL fixtures, League table and goal scorer stats visit: Hero ISL
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Show off your Indian and European football knowledge with the football fantasy game from Playerzpot. Download the App with our special Footballcounter referral code, start playing and win cash daily.
Download app here: Link or click on the image below
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…