Loni: Ten-man Pune FC put on a brave show to play out a goalless draw with local rivals DSK Shivajians FC in an U18 I-League encounter at the DSK Football Fields in Loni on Sunday.
Having shared the spoils in this crucial Maharashtra Zone, Round-7 encounter, Pune FC (GD +33) continue to lead the standings with 17 points ahead of Shivajians (17 pts, GD +29) going into the final game.
On a chilly evening, both sides began the game cautiously. After some half chances early on, hosts Shivajians went close when striker Lallianzuala controlled a ball outside the box only to fire his volley wide in the 10th minute.
Thereafter, both sides battled hard in the midfield, but with the game turning physical there weren’t many chances.
After pushing up for a long time, Pune FC created the best chance of the first half in the 38th minute. Defender Sannik Mumru cut in from the right and with an intelligent ball sent winger Chesterpaul Lyngdoh clear on the left. The winger controlled the ball and tried to volley over the keeper but he was denied by a brilliant save from custodian Jedidi Haokip.
Pune FC continued to put more pressure and Chesterpaul once again went close in the dying minutes of the half. This time he managed to connect Dimple Bhagat’s perfect freekick in from the left but couldn't get better of the keeper as the first half ended goalless.
The second half began with some high intensity action as both sides came out with the intent of scoring. For Pune FC, striker Lalawmpuia had the best chance when Yasir set him up inside the box in the 51st minute but he delayed his attempt and the ball was cleared.
At the hour mark, Pune FC suffered a blow when wingback Sannnik Murmu was sent off for a second bookable offense for a foul outside the box.
Already playing with a one man advantage, Shivajians were handed a great chance to break the deadlock after Pune FC substitute Sebastian Thangmuansang, on for Md. Yasir, fouled Azaruddin in the box in the 66th minute. With the referee awarding a penalty kick to the hosts, Mawihmingthanga stepped up but skied his attempt as the score remained goalless.
At the other end, Pune FC had a couple of close chances of going forward. First Dimple’s freekick from the right was blocked and then Chesterpaul was denied on a counter from the right.
Into the final quarter, Pune FC continued to put pressure on the rival defense despite being a man short. They had a few half chances but with the game turning physical, Pune FC were finding it hard to penetrate.
Meanwhile, hosts Shivajians were attacking frequently but couldn’t get past a strong Pune FC backline who defended resolutely as the game ended goalless.
