Scottish forward Greg Stewart's spectacular first-half hat-trick saw Jamshedpur FC comfortably bag three points against Odisha FC 4-0 in a one-sided Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on Tuesday.
With the result, Jamshedpur leapfrogged from fifth to second in the points table with 11 points from six games. Odisha FC is in fourth position having nine points from five games.
Stewart scored three stunning goals in the 4th, 21st and 35th minutes to crown Peter Hartley's effort in the 3rd minute as Owen Coyle's side made Odisha look ordinary. He was rightly adjudged the Hero of the Match.
"It was a perfect response from us. To get the goals and the three points in a convincing manner acts as a booster for the team. Last week we conceded 3 goals after the first half so it feels nice to be on the other side. We are especially satisfied with the clean-sheet. This is an important win and I am delighted for the boys. It is too early to look at the league table. Right now, it is just about keeping our composure," said 31-year-old Stewart from Goa.
Stewart has previously played for Scottish clubs Cowdenbeath, Dundee, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Rangers as well as Birmingham City of the English Championship. He is a fast mover who has the ability to dodge defenders and possesses an eye for the goal. His show against Odisha FC was a testimony to his skills.
Head coach Owen said he was happy with both the clean sheet and the win.
"We could have scored more. We had wonderful chances. Odisha FC is a good and dynamic side. But we knew if we kept our defensive shape we could beat them. Everyone played their part in the match. We have some big games coming up and we have to capitalize and pick all 3 points from them,"the Scotland-born Owen added.
The Tata Steel-owned club, which has never made it to the play-offs ever since making the ISL debut in 2017-18 season, has high hopes this time and the team's current form may pay rich dividends during the course of the cash-rich tournament.
Jamshedpur FC will be up against Bengaluru FC on Monday, while Odisha FC's will lock horns against Chennaiyin FC on coming Saturday.
