After losing to ATK last week, The Islanders took a long trip to Guwahati to face a struggling NorthEast United FC who had 4 points from 5 matches in their kitty.
The Highlanders started well with a series of attacks with Marcinho’s effort hitting the woodwork in the 3rd minute. Len Doungel had the best chance of the game with Marcinho’s cross finding him but couldn’t keep his effort down. Striker Balwant Singh had a frustrating first 25 minutes as he was called offside on multiple occasions but calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net in the 34th minute. Balwant was through on goal after Emana split the NorthEast United defence with a sharp pass. He put the ball through legs of goalkeeper Ravi Kumar who had come off his line. The celebration from Balwant Singh showed what it meant for him to get back to goal scoring ways.
Sanju Pradhan was impressive in his performance against his former side whereas Amrinder Singh carried on his impressive work to make a string of fine saves and deny the home side a goal.
Balwant had the chance to double the lead when he headed Emana’s delivery but narrowly missed the target. He did make amends later on as he scored his second goal in the 68th minute to ensure The Islanders a clean margin over their counterparts. Emana powered through the NorthEast United defence yet again and calmly passed the ball to Balwant who had to tap it in with the goal open. With his clinical performance today, Balwant Singh has become the top Indian goal scorer in ISL 2017-18 with 4 goals.
Amrinder earned a hard fought clean sheet - his second of the season. With a brace under his belt, Balwant picked up the award for the Swift Moment of the Match while Davinder Singh’s fine performance earned him a second Emerging Player of the Match award of the tournament. Gerson Vieira chipped in with his all round display, covering for the absent Sehnaj Singh, and won the Hero of the Match award.
Clean sheet, back to winning ways and Balwant Singh leading the Indian goal scoring charts. Xmas has surely come in early for #TheIslanders
Climbing to the 4th position in the ISL 2017-18 table, Mumbai City FC next face Delhi Dynamos at the Mumbai Football Arena on the 29th of December. Book your tickets here!
Till then, Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
