Neroca pip Gokulam Kerala to come out of relegation zone
Following an enthralling 90 minutes of pulsating football at the Khuman Lampak Stadium today (February 21, 2020), Neroca FC pipped Gokulam Kerala 3-2 to come out of the relegation zone.
Pritam Singh drew the first blood for Neroca FC in as early as the second minute before Shibil Muhammed restored parity for Gokulam Kerala FC in the 25th minute. The visitors took the lead, for the first time, through Nataniel Garcia in the 40th minute.
After the breather, Neroca FC came from behind to equalise in the 48th minute through Philip Adjah. Neroca FC scored their third goal, nine minutes to the end of the regulation time, through Ronald Singh to register a much-needed. Neroca’s Pritam Singh Ningthoujam was adjudged to be the Hero of the Match.
Neroca FC started pressing hard for an early lead from the get-go. Neroca’s initial surge paid dividends very early when a mistimed clearance by the visitors saw the ball land in front of Pritam Ningthoujam who made no mistake in slotting it home in the second minute.
Neroca, with this early lead, continued their pressing game, however, Gokulam showed resilience to keep the scoreboard unchanged. Gokulam reorganised themselves and thereafter, started attacking the Manipuri boys. Soon, in the 25th minute, a through ball from Marcus Joseph to Shibil Muhammed saw the latter make no mistake in restoring parity for the visitors.
Gokulam, with this lease of life, started their trademark passing game all over the pitch. Marcus Joseph, Nataniel Garcia and Atuheire Kipson kept pressing hard for the visitors keeping the lacklustre Neroca defence on their toes. The Kerala outfit took the lead in the 40th minute when a short cross from Marcus Joseph saw Nataniel Garcia shooting a belter of a shot to score their second goal.
The first 45 minutes ended with the hosts trailing 1-2 to Gokulam Kerala FC.
The second half started with Neroca FC continuing their resurgence for the equaliser against a visibly-jittery Gokulam defence. Their efforts soon paid dividends when Sebastian’s throw to Irshad was anticipated rightly by Neroca’s Philip Adjah. The astute striker crafted a beautiful goal in the 48th minute to cancel the visitors’ lead.
Neroca, thereafter, shifted the gear but the finesse in front of the opposition goal was missing. Gokulam coach Fernando Varela introduced Henry Kisseka early into the second half. The change added pace and vigour but they could not see things off as desired.
Neroca boss Gift Rai Khan threw the last dice with a couple of changes in the final 10 minutes, having introduced Chanso Horam and Siam Hangal replacing Subash Singh and Busai Attila. This change yielded the result for the hosts immediately when Chanso’s cross, which was sloppily defended by Jestin George, landed straight into the feet of Ronald Singh.
Ronald bulldozed the ball into the back of the net to earn the lead for Neroca in the 81st minute. The game thereafter saw Gokulam making a few attempts to score the equaliser but the Orange army saw off the dangers calmly.
Gokulam will surely go back to the drawing boards before facing Punjab FC in Kozhikode on Saturday (February 29, 2020). Neroca, on the other hand, will travel to Srinagar to clash swords with Real Kashmir on March 4, 2020.
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 / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
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…