CHANDIGARH: In a repeat of their previous outing against Sudeva Delhi FC, RoundGlass Punjab FC struck thrice in the second half to register a comfortable 3-1 win over Indian Arrows in an I-League contest at Naihati in Bengal on Wednesday. This was the Punjab side’s second win in a row.
With this, RoundGlass have moved to the fourth spot on the table. They are now on par with Sreenidi Deccan FC with one game in hand.
Kurtis Guthrie (51'), Maheson Singh Tongbram (54') and Rupert Nongrum (86) were on target for RoundGlass while the Indian Arrows saw the margin of defeat reduced through a Jaspreet Singh own goal (90+7).
The first half began with RoundGlass Punjab FC attacking from the get-go and Travis Major shooting on goal in the fourth minute, with his shot rippling the side netting. Punjab kept pressing high and looking to generate chances right away. The Indian Arrows’ youngsters dug deep as they planned to counterattack their opponents.
Kurtis attempted a header in the 12th minute after Shankar Sampingiraj set him up with a corner kick, but his shot went over the bar. Joseba Beita's free kick in the 16th minute gave them another chance, but the Spanish playmaker's cross ended up in no man's land. Guthrie attempted another shot in the 20th minute but failed in putting it past Indian Arrows goalie Syed Zahid Hussain Bukhari.
Indian Arrows were handed a blow in the 32nd minute when Velanco Rodrigues replaced an injured Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who was stretched off the ground following a collision with an opposition player.
Punjab FC came closest to scoring in the 36th minute after Maheson latched on to a cut-back from Aakash Sangwan. However, his shot was saved acrobatically by the rival custodian. Three minutes later, Zahid denied his rivals once again by blocking Guthrie's attempt.
Three extra minutes were added at the end of the first half's regulation time, but nothing transpired.
The search for the go-ahead goal intensified in the second half, with Major having his effort saved two minutes after the restart. Punjab finally reaped the reward for its stream of attacks, scoring twice in quick succession.
In the 51st minute, Kean Lewis delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank, which was headed into the goal by Guthrie with excellent accuracy. Just three minutes later, the Englishman turned provider as he played in a low cross that an onrushing Maheson swept home with aplomb.
Major almost added his name to the scorers’ list two minutes after the hour mark after he was found by a Joseba Beitia ball from the right wing. However, his shot from an acute angle was saved at the near post.
RoundGlass Punjab FC continued to dominate proceedings, creating inroads into the Arrows defence and keeping their forwards at bay. With three minutes left, Guthrie added another assist to his tally as he played in a chipped pass towards goal for substitute Nongrum, who made no mistake with the finish.
The Arrows added a consolation goal deep into stoppage time, as the match drew to a close at 3-1.
In their next match, the Punjab side will face Mohammedan SC on April 10.
