I-League 2023-24: NEROCA FC edge past TRAU FC

Published at :March 24, 2024 at 10:22 PM

Modified at :March 24, 2024 at 10:34 PM

(Courtesy : AIFF media)

NEROCA FC desperately needed this win to increase their points in the I-league table.

NEROCA FC did the ‘double’ over TRAU FC with a 2-1 win in an I-League match at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Sunday, March 24, 2024. For NEROCA, Ansumana Kromah and Lourembam David Singh were the scorers while Telem Suranjit Singh reduced the margin for TRAU. All goals came in the second half. NEROCA had won the first leg 1-0 just three days back.

It was NEROCA’s fourth win of the season. However, they still find themselves in the relegation zone at the 12th spot in the standings with 13 points from 20 matches. TRAU are at the bottom of the 13-team table with 10 points from 20 games. They have three wins, one draw, and 16 losses. Both sides have four matches remaining.

NEROCA took the lead upon resumption in the second half. Substitute Darius Snorton Perwood played a quick one-two with Ansumana Kromah and dribbled past TRAU defenders to enter the penalty box. Failing to keep up with his trickery and pace, Kongbrailatpam Manjit Sharma brought him down with a tackle and the referee immediately pointed towards the penalty spot. Kromah stepped up to convert from the spot in the 48th minute.

NEROCA FC past TRAU FC in I-League. — NEROCA FC vs TRAU FC (Image Source: AIFF)

NEROCA extended their lead in the 65th minute. NEROCA were given space inside the box and they capitalised on it by shooting at free will. After several attempts were thwarted, the goal came off a rebound. Nonganba Singh Akoijam tried to hit a left-footer but a TRAU defender effectively blocked his shot. However, the rebound fell at Lourembam David Singh’s feet and he obliged by finding the back of the net.

TRAU FC pulled one back in the 77th minute. Laishram Premjit Singh made a controlled run into the NEROCA box before delivering an inch-perfect pass for Telem Suranjit Singh. The TRAU captain was unmarked and hit a precise shot that found the left bottom corner of the net. TRAU tried their best to find the equaliser but NEROCA held firm.

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