Agencies
Aizawl
Darryl Duffy converted a first half free-kick to lead Salgaocar FC to a 1-0 win over Aizawl FC in a I-League 16th round encounter played at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram, on Monday afternoon.
Both sides came into the fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw and with three changes to their starting eleven. The Goans started the game on a cautious note but looked to hit the opposition on the counter. Duffy created an opening for his side but Reagan Singh's eventual shot went wide. At the other end Lalramchullova, Albert Zohmingmawia and Yuta Kinowaki combined but Albert's final effort was blocked.
Aizawl FC committed a foul on the edge of the box which saw Duffy fire into the back of the net in the 32nd minute. Aizawl failed to muster a single shot on target in the first half as compared to just one by the visitors.
Three minutes into the second half, Duffy had an opportunity to double the scoreline but was unsuccessful in hitting the target after some good work by Saran Singh who intercepted Lalbiakthanga's pass in the midfield to set up the move.
Sunday was unlucky of a couple of occasions as his header from a corner went inches above the crossbar and also saw his effort come off the post in the 63rd minute.
Aizawl continued to have a few more chances to score an equaliser but Zohmingmawia wasn't alert to get on the end of Lalbiakthanga's lob above the Salgaocar defense. Lalramzauva Khiangte, who had replaced Kinowaki in the 70th minute, sent a scorching left-footer dispairingly wide in the 88th minute.
The match concluded with Duffy being stretchered off the pitch in the injury time while both Scott and Lalruat Thara getting their names in the referees books for a tussle.
With this win, the Greens have 16 points from 14 matches with two matches to go. Aizawl FC need a win in their final game against DSK Shivajians on Sunday and hope that other results go in their favour in order for them to avoid the drop.
