THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
DSK Shivajians FC edged past Redstar Football Academy, Kerala 3-2 in their Group B match of Nike Premier Cup 2017 at Panchayat ground, Nagoa on Thursday.
In an evenly contested match, DSK Shivajians started the game on a positive note and created a scare for their opponents in the fourth minute when Laldawngkima had his smart header blocked by goalkeeper Muhammed Saleef. Redstar had their own chance but midfielder Isak Vanlalruatfela's snap shot was handled well by rival defender Clivert Demers in the sixth minute.
DSK Shivijians' breakthrough came in the seventh minute when striker Laldawngkima unleashed a blistering shot from the left off a well measured through pass from Seikhohao to beat the goalkeeper. DSK Shivijians inflated the lead a minute later when Umair Saiyyad blasted home off a Batskhem Nongsiej cross.
A desperate Redstar won a penalty in the 11th minute and Isak Vanlalruatfela converted from the spot, sending the rival goalkeeper the wrong way. The reducer boosted the morale of the Kerala lads and they launched a barrage of attacks but Vajeesh AV muffed a golden chance to level the scores in the 23rd minute. With half time nearing, DSK missed an open sitter when striker Piyush Joshi shot wide with only rival goalkeeper to beat.
After the change of ends, Laldawngkima scored his brace in the 60th minute with a curling shot to gives his team a decisive 3-1 lead. However, Redstar kept at it and Shajam P found their second in the 80th minute to set up an exciting finish but DSK held on to their one-goal advantage.
In another match, Bengluru FC came from behind to beat Sudeva FC 2-1. Lalrintluanga (49) and Rahul Rajan (82) scored for Bengaluru after Bhupinder Singh put Sudeva ahead in the 15th minute.
