IT WAS a crucial match for both Minerva Punjab FC and NEROCA. One team trying to reduce the lead and the other to extend theirs.
Minerva stunned the home team by striking only in the second minute of the game. Chencho had positioned himself in a good position when he slot home the corner from close range.
A miscommunication between Neroca defence allowed William to walk past the last line of defence. William had space and Chencho in the middle for a passing option. William went for goal but only hit the side netting.
Aryn picked Chidi in the box. His first touch to bring the ball down was good. He shot but the direction was way above the goal. Raikhan made two substitutions before 35 minutes bringing on Pritam and Thanjam were brought on. Aidara had a chance to shoot and did but his shot was straight at the keeper who saved it comfortably. Dano could have seen a second yellow after he pushed away a NEROCA player. No action from the referee. The half ended one nil to Minerva Punjab.
Shot on target by William as he swung his left after a square pass came to him from Chencho on the left. Needed two attempts from the keeper to save the effort. William had an attempt shortly after that but again could not find the right placement. William’s low cross in the box from the right fell to NEROCA defence to clear with ease. Minerva defence was tested about 15 minutes from time. Cross from the right has the keeper punch just in time by the Minerva keeper. NEROCA had a chance when a header was on target but not with much power and it ended into an easy catch for the keeper. NEROCA had a flurry of attacks in the final minutes of the game. Chidi with the best chance to get the equaliser. But he too shot it well wide of the target from a comfortable distance. Lago and Dano lead a counter attack but it was a lazy attempt by Dano that ended the attack. It ended the game seeing the home team NEROCA being defeated twice in a week. Minerva Punjab extended their lead at the top with the win.
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