ATK Vs NorthEast United Ratings: Soosairaj, Balwant heroics script victory

The Highlanders' regulars failed to impress on the occasion.

A late header from Balwant Singh handed all three points for ATK, as they defeated NorthEast United 1-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in a feisty Indian Super League clash. It was a smash and grab affair with both sides unable to create chances throughout the match. But, a late corner from Javi Hernandez and a thumping header from substitute Balwant Singh meant Antonio Habas' men leapfroged FC Goa to regain top spot. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

ATK

Arindam Bhattacharya- 7.0 Arindam has been good all season and this match was no different, as he came up with a scintillating save to keep out a Martin Chaves header. He marshalled his troops very well and was very vocal with the positioning of his defenders. Pritam Kotal- 6.5 The India international came up with another solid display, as he was tidy with his defensive duties and maintained a sound understanding with his fellow defenders. Had a golden opportunity to give his team the lead from a few yards out, but he scuffed the shot. Sumit Rathi- 6.5 The youngster won't pull a trick out of the blue or come up with something extraordinary, but he is someone to maintain the shape in defence and composure throughout the game, qualities that are missing among a lot of experienced Indian defenders. Prabir Das- 5.5 He made numerous runs down the right channel and combined well with Jobby Justin and Roy Krishna, but was wasteful with his deliveries. He was also guilty of losing the ball in vital areas near the final third. Michael Soosairaj- 8.0 The winger from Tamil Nadu again showed his golden touch, as he made some surging runs. One of his curling efforts almost caught Subhasish napping under the bar. His shot in the second half was again a whisker away, as Mislav Komorski cleared it off the line. He was a livewire for ATK on the left channel and on any other day he could have bagged a brace. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Jobby Justin- 5.0 The former East Bengal forward was not at his usual best, as he played the first half and did not create a single chance. He combined with Prabir Das on the right channel for some moves, but could not create anything worthwhile.

Substitutions

Jayesh Rane- 6.5 Brought more bite to the midfield and allowed Edu Garcia and Javi Hernandez to play freely. It is amazing how he has transformed into a more central role this season. Michael Regin- 6.0 Came in for Victor Mongil in the middle of the park and played well considering his long injury layoff. He formed a nice partnership with Jayesh and kept the midfield compact. Balwant Singh- 7.0 Came in for Edu Garcia late in the dying moments of the match and scored the winning goal with a thumping header, to fire ATK to the top of the table.

NorthEast United

Subhasish Roy Chowdhury- 7.5 Was equally as good as his counterpart, as he kept his team in the game by denying Roy Krishna in the first half. He made a number of saves in the second half and kept his team in the game throughout. [KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Reagan Singh- 5.0 Reagan was totally out of ideas on the night, as he was kept on his toes by Soosairaj throughout the game. He hardly had any impact with his overlapping runs while venturing forward. Rakesh Pradhan- 6.5 Similar to his teammates, Pradhan did not have much attacking impact in the game. However, he did a decent job with his defensive duties and his duel with Prabir Das was interesting to watch. He notched up seven clearances and two interceptions. Lalengmawia- 7.0 The youngster controlled the midfield for the Highlanders and did not shy away from tackles against experienced players in the middle of the park. He notched up eight tackles along with a passing accuracy of 81% and also made three interceptions and as many clearances. Ninthoinganba Meetei- 5.5 The youngster showed glimpses of his brilliance at times when he combined well with Andy Keogh, but lost possession incessantly which released all the pressure NorthEast United created against ATK. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Nikhil Kadam- 6.0 It was a rather subdued performance from Kadam, as he could only create a single chance throughout the game. He produced some good combination play with Simon Lundevall, but gradually faded out in the second half.

Substitutions

Redeem Tlang- 5.5 Came in for Ninthoi and contributed in the defensive third, as NorthEast United were mostly involved in not allowing ATK to score.