JAMSHEDPUR FC MISSED A chance to break into the top two of the Indian Super League, being held to a 1-1 draw by 9th placed Chennaiyin FC.
The Red Miners welcomed the struggling Marina Machans to their home ground and sought to make immediate impact with their attack but Chennaiyin FC under new head coach Owen Coyle returned fire with fire.
The visitors got an early chance to take the lead when Lallianzuala Chhangte made a darting run up the left flank and crossed into the box but Tiri was there to make a sliding clearance before Thoi Singh could deliver the finisher.
Just before the half hour mark, Valskis managed to beat his marker and get himself some open space in the Jamshedpur box as an angular ball from Crivellaro found its way to him. Valskis turned and shot, not giving Subrata Paul enough time to make himself big and block the striker's vision of the goal. The ball crept past the Jamshedpur keeper, hitting the far post before rebounding into the goal.
Both sides kept creating chances but failed to convert and it seemed like Chennaiyin FC were finally about to get their first win since they beat Hyderabad FC. But right before the regulation time ran out, Jamshedpur hit back.
Former Indian Arrows player and India U-17 star Aniket Jadhav had come on in the second half and towards the end of the game took hold of a the ball near the halfway line and made a brilliant run towards the Chennaiyin keeper. His path was blocked by two defenders but he got past them with excellent dribbling skills. He found Sumeet Passi with a quick pass, who in turn set up Shillong Lajong academy product Isaac Vanmalsawma for the finish; a picturesque curler that beat three defenders and completely left the keeper blindsided. It was a brilliant team effort by 3 Indian players and a perfect way to bring the game to a close.
Watch the goals and the highlights of the game right here courtesy the Indian Super League youtube channel...
Although overall the result was a disappointing one for Jamshedpur FC, they will be happy with the effort they displayed to rescue a point at the end. For Chennaiyin FC, too, this performance was a sign of improvement.
Jamshedpur, with 12 points from 7 matches, are facing a long awaited trip to Kochi next. Chennaiyin FC, who are now unbeaten in their last 3 matches, will look to hold their own against NorthEast United away from home; a difficult task indeed.