AN ACTION-PACKED FIRST HALF saw Chennaiyin FC secure a 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters at home.
The two teams battling to stay away from the bottom of the points table locked horns with just one win apiece in their campaigns so far. They found early success when Andre Schembri found the net, but soon afterwards the Blasters got even through Ogbeche.
But near the half-hour mark Lallianzuala Chhangte scored to get Chennaiyin FC ahead again, and Nerijus Valskis, who assisted Zuala, found himself on the scoresheet just before half-time sealing a two goal lead for the home team that proved to be enough to carry them to all 3 points.
Watch the highlights of the match right here courtesy the ISL's official youtube channel...
The win signifies the continuation of a turnaround that Chennaiyin FC have been staging under newly appointed head coach Owen Coyle. In the last four matches they have been unbeaten, with two victories to their name. They have managed to pick themselves up from the bottom of the table to 8th place with 9 points from 8 games.
Kerala Blasters, however, are continuing a downward spiral. Their only win this season is still that one victory against ATK and facing a relatively weak side like Chennaiyin FC was a big opportunity to get all three points after back to back draws; but the result has left them with just 7 points from 9 matches, just above bottom-placed Hyderabad FC.
Both teams are facing tough outings next; Chennaiyin FC will host FC Goa and Kerala Blasters will face NorthEast United. While top four already looks like a distant dream for these franchises, some good results against higher placed teams will be a relief for the fans who have stuck with the clubs through their poor performance since the last season.