KOLKATA, Oct 4: A late goal by Rowllin Borges earned full points for NorthEast United FC against hosts ATK in their second encounter of the 5th Hero Indian Super League at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here today. Rowllin headed home in the 89th minute anticipating the ball off a set piece taken by Federico Gallego.
It was their first victory after a winless streak of seven matches away from home. Their last victory on the road came against the Delhi Dynamos on December 2, 2017.
NorthEast United started the proceeding with a positive note as front liner Nikhil Kadam initiated the first move down the left flank. He sent a floater trying to find Redeem Tlang. But the striker in the box missed to capitalise on it. However, their over lapping defender Federico Gallego managed to unleash a grounder but failed to hit the target.
After some initial hangover, the host team got the form back and started raiding the Highlanders� territory with some planned moves. After making a counter-attack NorthEast United FC had a superb chance with a second free kick mid way through the first session. Sena Ralte fouled Redeem Tlang from behind on the right wing, just outside the box. But Gallego�s chip shot could not be anticipated properly by skipper Ogbeche and failed to head home in the 20th minute.
In the 32nd minute ATK striker Sena Ralte was given marching orders after being cautioned twice.
In the later stages of the first half the visitors were clearly looking well in sharing the ball with 62 per cent possession. At the fag end of the first session ATK skipper made a brilliant effort at the NEUFC goal from the left corner with a curling shot. However, it was a decent save by custodian TP Rehenesh who positioned well to punch the ball out.
The entertaining first session witnessed everything but failed to produce the desired result.
In the 52nd minute it could have been a goal for the hosts against the run of play. Noussair�s floated free kick from deep in the half of the left flank saw Everton Santos heading the ball towards the far post. Unmarked Lanzarote tapped it but Rehenesh rushed towards the ball and parried it away.
NorthEast United were trying patiently to dominate over the 10-men hosts which had to fall back mid way through the second session. � Agencies