Pune: FC Pune City maintained a clean sheet by recording their second consecutive win with a solitary goal victory over NorthEast United in an Indian Super League football match here today.
Pune emerged victorious courtesy an own goal from Zohmingliana Ralte in the 73rd minute of the keenly fought match at the Balewadi Stadium. The match was a fast-paced one but had few openings as play was mostly a midfield battle. The home side had the edge there with Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora turning up an impressive show.
The first 45 minutes had very fews shots at the goal and both teams did not test the goalies. The best chance of the half fell to Pune marquee player Adrian Mutu but the Romanian striker took it with his weaker foot and the shot lacked power.
The home side quickly got to their grooves and did most of the attack in the initial period but NorthEast came on their own as the match progressed. But they showed that they are side lacking in ideas at the opposition box.
At the stroke of half hour, Pune had a go at the opposition goal with Israil Gurung taking a shot from inside NorthEast box but Ralte blocked it. Then it was the turn of the visiting team but Sanju Pradhan put the ball wide off a free header in the 36th minute.
The second half was more lively with NorthEast pressing for a goal. In the 56th minute, Diomansy Kamara blasted the ball wide off the target after he was sent to the clear by Nicolas Velez. The Pune keeper charged forward to block Velez only to see Kamara getting the ball.
