After the conclusion of two fixtures yesterday, Super Sunday saw new boys Real Kashmir hosting NEROCA FC in the early kick off while Gokulam Kerala played hosts to the youthful Shillong Lajong FC.
In the 2pm kick-off, high flying Kashmir were looking to continue their dream run against bottom placed NEROCA. With the weather and the packed stadium behind them, Real Kashmir were the favourites to bag the three points.
After an impressive start, Shillong suffered two consecutive losses to East Bengal and Indian Arrows. Tenth placed Gokulam were looking for their first win of the season after an entertaining South Indian derby ended in a 3-2 loss in Chennai. Both teams were looking for the three points to settle some nerves in the camp.
Real Kashmir vs NEROCA FC (0-2)
Real Kashmir (4-2-3-1)
An unchanged XI for the home side as they looked to continue their high flying start to the season.
NEROCA FC (4-4-1-1)
A couple of changes by Manuel Retamaro in the 4-4-1-1 formation as Mohammed Abdul Salam and Biaklian Paite were relegated to the bench while Naorem Tondonba Singh and S.Meitei were added to the playing XI
It was all Real Kashmir in the first 25 minutes as they were on an all-out attack.
But it was the away side that drew first blood against the run of play in the 28th minute after a defensive lapse by Loveday, which was pounced by Felix Chidi. A disappointing first half for Kashmir as they dominated for large spells but had nothing to show for it.
It followed a similar pattern in the second half as Krizo was guilty of misfiring a number of chances as Kashmir continued their dominance.
But it was Chidi again who scored in the 74th minute and stunned the home fans as he slotted in past Bilal Khan. It was another defensive lapse for the home side and the Nigerian made them pay twice to grab a brace.
Kashmir continued to be on the offense but to little avail as NEROCA secured their first win of the season.
On Matchday 5, Real Kashmir will be hosting veterans Mohun Bagan on November 20 whereas NEROCA FC will be in action on Matchday 6 in Chennai on November 24.
Gokulam Kerala vs Shillong Lajong FC (3-1)
Gokulam Kerala (4-4-2)
Deepak, Rashid, Nigam and Rajesh make the first team. Chakladar is out of the matchday squad. Arjun Jayaraj is out with fever, Pritam drops to the bench and Musa is suspended for his red card last match.
Shillong Lajong FC (4-2-3-1)
Samuel Lalmuanpiua has been omitted from the matchday squad as Alison Kharsyntiew brings on Sheen Sohktung.
The hosts started brightly as they pressed high and created a number of chances. Shillong were pushed back and were struggling to get a foothold of the game.
The hosts were rewarded for their high press in the 43rd minute when a free-kick into the box by Castro was clipped into Gani Nigam's path by Daniel Addo and gave the hosts a much deserved lead.
The second half had three goals. Gokulam didn’t take long to double their lead in the second half as Antonio Timothy German finally scored in the 56th minute after a number of chances in the first half. Gokulam soon scored a third in the 65th minute as Nigam turned provider for Rajesh.
Buam scored a consolation goal for the away side in the 78th minute after being set up by Sohktung. There was some added drama towards the end after Shillong left-back Nurung was given a second yellow for a rash challenge on Rashid to add more misery to the visitors.
Gokulam finally got going for the season and up next is a home game against the defending champions Minerva Punjab on November 18 while the struggling Shillong Lajong FC will be travelling to Goa to take on Churchill Brothers on November 15.
