Real Kashmir FC’s home debut ended in a goalless draw as they were held by 10-men Churchill Brothers Goa in the match of the I-League at capacity filled TRC turf ground here on Tuesday.
The six-months waiting period of seeing Real Kashmir FC playing its first ever I-League match on home soil in Kashmir finally ended on Tuesday when they took on Goan side, Churchill Brothers. Though the outcome of the match didn’t go in favour of home side, but the tussle in the middle of the field for the glory did entice the spectators who had thronged in huge numbers to watch the clash.
From the early start, it was Real Kashmir who looked a dominant side always aiming to go for the goal. With every move they were making, noise was going up with fans backing home side to the full. The hosts came close to scoring a goal but were denied by the woodwork twice in the match.
Scottish coach of Real Kashmir FC, David Robertson chose to stick to the starting lineup that earned him the three points against Minerva Punjab while as Churchill Brothers Romanian coach, Petre Gigiu made a single change to the side that drew 2-2 against Chennai City. He brought Lamgoulen Gou Hangshing in place of Vinil Poojary.
After a few hiccups caused by some aggressive moves by Real Kashmir, Churchill started to find rhythm. The game started to be concentrated in mid-field. The first scoring chance of the game fell for Danish Farooq but the midfielder was denied by the crossbar. A brilliant cross from Brian Mascarenhas from the left flank was guided towards the goal by Danish who managed to beat the goalie but not the post.
Goan side got their first sight of goal when Israil Gurung delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left flank but Hangshing failed to guide it into the net with a free header from close range.
When it looked like that Churchill are finding their groove back which made things difficult for the home side, a mistake by the goalkeeper James Kithan shifted the balance against them. He handled the ball outside the box in a bid to stop charging Gnohere Krizo who was through on goal. Referee flashed a straight red card to give keeper his marching orders just before the break, reducing Churchill to 10 men.It was the moment that shifted the game slight in Real Kashmir FC’s favour with Churchill Brothers playing defensively and focusing on to earn a valuable draw point. They started to hold on to their half and rarely were seen going up. While Real was more focused on playing long balls and sending supply to lone attacker Krizo upfront, the Churchill Brother’s Nenad Novakovic kept close watch on him but that didn’t help the cause.
In the 64th minute, Krezo did well to cut in from the left and send a strike at goal but unfortunately, the woodwork once again came into play to save Gigiu for the second time.
The match ended in goalless draw with teams having to share a point each. Danish Farooq of Real Kashmir was adjudged as man of the match.
With four points from two matches, Real Kashmir have jumped to the third spot in the league table. They will now take on Neroca FC at on November 11 in another home tie.