I-League: Gokulam Kerala blank Indian Arrows

Kalyani (West Bengal): A stellar attacking performance in the second half, in which they scored four goals, helped Gokulam Kerala FC outplay Indian Arrows 4-0 and collect three points in the I-League at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium here on Friday.

After a listless display in the first half in which Sharif Mohammad missed a penalty kick, strikes by Emil Benny (47th minute), Dennis Antwi (50th), substitute Lalromawia (78th), and Ronald Singh (90+4) gave the Malabarians much-needed three points to go fourth with 13 points in eight matches.

Indian Arrows proved no pushovers in the first half as the Malabarians hardly created a clear goal-scoring chance.

Compact and solid defending at the back coupled with clinical goalkeeping by Arrows in the first half gave the Malabarians much trouble as the Vincenzo Annese-coached side lacked creativity in the final third with the main striker Philip Adjah left isolated. Arrows had two chances in the opening minutes of the match through midfielder Harsh Patre, but both chances went inches wide of the goal.

Despite the Malabarians enjoying possession, Arrows seemed dangerous on the counter-attack. The highlight of the first half came in the 38th minute when Philip Adjah's cross for Dennis Antwi led Gurpanthjeet Singh to tackle the latter as the referee pointed to the spot. With possibly their first and best chance of the match till then, Gokulam failed to score as Sharif Mohammad's penalty was saved by Ahaan Prakash.

Arrows had an opportunity to take the lead in the 44th minute when Vanlalruatfela capitalised on a defensive mistake by Deepak Devrani, only to see his shot saved by the opposition custodian.

Gokulam attacked from the start in the second half. A cross from the left flank caused havoc in the Arrows' penalty box in the 47th minute and the opportunity fell to Emil Benny, who tapped home from close range.

Next, in the 50th minute, the Malabarians were awarded a second penalty and this time, Dennis Antwi converted with ease to double Gokulam's lead.

Two goals in quick succession gave Gokulam the much-needed breathing space after a weak attacking performance in the first half. In the 58th minute, Sharif Mohammad tried his luck from distance but his venomous shot was saved by Ahaan Prakash.

With a two-goal advantage, the Malabarians tried to solidify their position in the match by defending deep and rarely attacking as they enjoyed the majority of possession. In the 77th minute, Philip Adjah had an opportunity to make it 3-0 but his curling shot from inside the box went inches wide of the goal.

However, a few seconds later, substitute Lalromawia scored from close range after Dennis Antwi's shot, which was saved by Prakash, fell kindly for the midfielder.

Ronald Singh added more gloss to the scoreline in added time the second half to make it 4-0.