FC Thrissur kick-start KPL in style, defeat Blasters' reserves

The hosts secured a comeback victory after trailing by a goal.

In the inaugural match of Kerala Premier League, Runners-up FC Thrissur kick-started their campaign in style as they edged past Kerala Blasters' reserve squad. In the game held at Corporation Stadium, Thrissur, the hosts eventually won the game, courtesy of an Ashik brace.

Blasters' reserves started the game on front foot and pressed hard on their opponents and they tried to split their defence. After their relentless efforts in the 8th minute of the game,  Blasters took the lead as an unforced flaw from FC Thrissur's defence, which saw Kerala's attacker, Shaibor slot the ball past a hapless Shihas K.S.

Since then, Blasters performed with an intent to keep their lead intact, while FC Thrissur surged upwards in quest of the equaliser. The hosts also had the majority of the possession and orchestrated their play from the middle of the park. After some attempts, which seemed futile, FC Thrissur equalized the score-card, as when Ashik found the back of the net in the 37th minute of the game.

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Contrary to what we've seen in the first-half, FC Thrissur dominated and commanded the play in the final-half, keeping Kerala Blasters at their toes. After a deluge of endeavours that turned out to nothing, FC Thrissur finally had their winner, when Ashik, again, discomfited KBFC's keeper, from a freekick whipped into the box.

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Despite trailing, Kerala Blasters reserves had nothing to do in the dying minutes, in order to restore the parity,  against FCT, as the latter kept knocking at the doors of Kerala defense. However, Blasters managed to thwart any further menace, which could've increased their deficit.

On 8th April, Cochin Port Trust will take Kerala Police, at Dr Ambedkar Stadium, Ernakulam, in a Group A game. Elsewhere, FC Kerala will host Quartz FC in another encounter, at Corporation Stadium, Thrissur in a Group B game.