The final clash of Matchday 3 saw a clash between two teams in the lower half of the table as former champions Aizawl FC locked horns with rivals NEROCA FC in the Northeastern derby in Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram.
Both teams have collected only a single point in 2 games and were looking for their first wins of the season. This was Aizawl's first home game while contrastingly for NEROCA , it was their first encounter away from home.
Both teams were looking to address their goalscoring problems as the strikers have failed to make a mark in the tournament so far and things remained the same for both teams as the Northeastern derby ended in a goalless draw.
Aizawl FC vs NEROCA FC
Aizawl FC (4-4-1-1)
No changes for Raikhan’s side against his former team as he decided to play the same XI that drew against Mohun Bagan.
NEROCA FC (4-4-1-1)
Three changes for the away side as there were a number of changes in the formation as well as Jerry Onesemas, Biaklian Paire and Thangmuansang were named in the starting XI while Yendrembam Meitei, Naorem Tondonba Singh and Singam Singh were dropped.
Scrappy start to the derby as both teams failed to create a goalscoring chance till the 23rd minute as Jaryan tested Boerchio with a volley from a corner. There were two early bookings for the away side as Pulamte and Kiatamba entered the referee's book within the first 15 minutes. It was a dull affair in the first 45 minutes as both teams were more focussed on protecting their goals rather than going on the offence.
NEROCA came close to score on three occasions within the first 10 minutes of the second half but failed to convert. Sensing danger Aizawl boss Raikhan introduced Dodoz in place of Lalrinfela to inject more attacking flair in the team.
Dodoz’s substitution worked well as Aizawl regained the control of the game. The team’s formation changed to 4-3-3 with Dodoz, Mapuia and Kromah leading from the front.
Kromah's struggles in front of goal continued as the home side tried to snatch a goal in the final 20 minutes but NEROCA defenders stood firm and claimed a point.
Winless run of both teams continued as they remain in the bottom half of the table. Up next for the 2017 champions will be another home encounter against the defending champions Minerva Punjab on November 10 whereas NEROCA FC will be on the road to take on new boys Real Kashmir in a tricky encounter.
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