Play-by-Play: Kerala Blasters dominate Pune to secure vital win, leap ahead in the playoff race

A DOMINANT, COMPOSED performance from the Kerala Blasters ensured that they registered a well deserved 2-1 win over Pune City. 

KBFC were the faster team to start and they reaped their first fruit of labour early on when a cross from the left found Nazon in scoring range in the 7th minute, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. The Blasters continued to mount attacks and dominate possession, exploiting a Pune defence full of holes. 

Despite creating chances Kerala could not score a second goal in the first half. Pune City, meanwhile, got some chances to get an equalizer, including two close range tap-in opportunities for Arata Izumi who somehow managed to fall short. 

Early in the second half Aaron Hughes headed in a second goal for KBFC after Vineeth sent a high ball into the goalmouth. With a 2-0 lead, Kerala slowed down the game and kept a tight control on things, with Pune trying hard but failing to shift the pressure onto the KBFC defence.

A consolation goal came late in the game when Anibal shot a picture perfect free kick straight into the net. But that was too little too late. Kerala ended the game 2-1 ahead, ensuring a jump to the third place in the table with 18 points from 12 games. Pune City's campaign, meanwhile, suffered a near-fatal blow sending them down to 7th place with 15 points from 13 games.

Chances for Pune City qualifying for the playoffs at this point is next to nothing. But tonight's game also ensured that FC Goa became the first team to officially drop out of the race to semis. 

Here's how the whole game unfolded, narrated in blow-by-blow details through our real time text commentary...