IT PROMISED to be a good match between Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC and indeed it was. Both teams showing some attacking instincts early on. The home side were the first ones who came close to break open the opposition defence. Sifeneos was through but could not get hold of the ball and missed out. Jackichand’s side foot try from close to the box went past the post. Danilo and Marcinho were a constant threat for the Kerala defence.
But the deadlock was broken in by some brilliant play between Jhingan, Rino and Vineeth. Jhingan on the right wing played the ball forward to Rino who had known Vineeth’s presence in the box, sent a good ball in and Vineeth with a forward-diving header finished a great move into a goal.
Just before half time, Rehenesh took down Sifeneos outside the box. There was a covering defender behind the keeper but the referee saw a clear goal-scoring opportunity denied and showed a straight red card to Rehenesh. After that NEUFC got in Ravi Kumar in goal sacrificing Narzary who had created some problems to the full backs. Half time ended in the 1-0 lead to KBFC.
NEUFC made a couple of changes but nothing suited the attack of NEUFC as they failed to create any chance of scoring. Kerala on the other hand saw some brilliant plays from Lalruathara and Pekuson. Lalruathara even hit the post once. Ravi Kumar was called into action and he was needed to leave the box and clear the danger on a couple of occasions. He did well on both occasions. NEFC came close from a corner, substitute Fortes sent a powerful ball which was flicked on past the keeper but Nirmal Chhetri could not make it in time to head it in. Some yellow cards were flashed as a few players got heated and were involved in pushing each other. The score ended 1-0 and Kerala Blaster finally registered a victory in ISL4.