An injury-time winner from Ishan Pandita saw Jamshedpur FC post a narrow 3-2 win over NorthEast United in the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Thursday.
The result elevates Owen Coyle’s men to third place in the league table, level on points with second-placed Mumbai City FC and leaders Hyderabad FC.
Jamshedpur FC are placed third with 16 points (10 matches, 4 win, 4 draws and 2 losses) while table toppers Hyderabad have played 9 matches (4 wins,4 draws and 1 loss). Mumbai, on the other have have so far played 9 matches (5 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses).
It was much-needed win for Men of Steel, especially after two draws and one loss. The win also gives the required confidence and energy to stay afloat in the cash-rich tournament.
Jamshedpur would now like to keep the momentum going in the second leg of the tournament as it takes on of SC East Bengal at the Athletic Stadium on Tuesday while NorthEast United has a week’s gap before their meeting with FC Goa at the same venue on Friday.
Deshorn Brown (4’) broke the deadlock with an early strike until Jordan Murray (44’) levelled the score with a header. Boris Singh (56’) then sent JFC into the lead with his first-ever goal in the ISL. Brown (90+1’) looked to have secured a draw with a late goal until Ishan Pandita (90+3’) scored the winner deep into injury time.
"This group of lads have been terrific. I have boys who couldn't get games for their previous clubs like Len (Doungel) and Boris (Singh). We have picked some of the players and turned them into good players. I love working with young players and I think our Indian players have the potential to be very good players. Credit to NorthEast (United FC) for fighting till the end but overall, we were miles ahead of NorthEast as a team," said Jamshedpur head coach Owen Coyle.
"I think this goal is on the top. I am happy and looking more positive to be finding more goals. I think today was very crucial and it was a must-win game. It is a massive three points. I have a lot of experienced players in my position. I am young and my cup is empty. There is a lot of room for improvement," said Hero of the Match Ishan Pandita.
