ISL: ATK win against Delhi Dynamos to bow out on a high
Football | March 03, 2019 22:34 ISTTwo-time former champions ATK finally gave their despondent fans something to cheer about as they bowed out with a 2-1 win over Delhi Dynamos.
Two-time former champions ATK finally gave their despondent fans something to cheer about as they bowed out with a 2-1 win over Delhi Dynamos.
The 18-year-old Komal, who participated in India's maiden Under-17 World Cup last year, has been impressive for Steve Coppell's ATK in the ISL this season.
Semifinalists' in the previous edition, Pune City have suffered four losses from five matches. They have just two points and are placed at the bottom of the table.
ATK suffered an injury blow to their key forward Kalu Uche in the first-half as they looked desperate to firm up their attacking prowess.
Having suffered back-to-back defeats at home to start their campaign, the new-look ATK have managed to bounce back with two wins and draw.
The home side, who kicked off the fifth ISL season with a 0-2 loss to Kerala Blasters, were reduced to 10 players in the 32nd minute
Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) rode on second-half strikes from Matej Poplatnik and Slavisa Stojanovic to beat Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) 2-0.
The 34-year-old had an impressive last season with FC Goa, clocking well over 1500 minutes on the field with 13 goals and six assists to his name.
In a match between last year's finalists, both the teams had their share of chances but it was ATK's Ryan Taylor who did the star act by scoring one and setting up another for a hard-fought draw.
Under Sheringham, the defending champions suffered four losses and drew thrice in 10 outings to slip to eighth place in the 10-team standings.
Pune City had registered a convincing 1-4 victory against the defending champions in Kolkata and many believed ATK would seek their revenge.
Zequinha was the star of the show, striking in the 73rd minute to give his side the lead and the winner.
The win gave three crucial points to Bengaluru FC, who are now leading the points table wih 18 points from six wins in nine matches.
The former Ireland and Spurs player injected life into the game with a spectacular finish in the 78th minute to score his first goal of the season.
The victory also lifted ATK from the bottom of the table to the eighth spot with five points to their credit.
Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes admitted that ATK were a tough side as their playing style was different.
Ryan, a versatile player and former England under-21 international, has the ability to play as a full-back or across the midfield.
Chennaiyin coach John Gregory has used the same winning combination for the last two matches but may be forced into making a couple of changes to tackle the visitors.
Last season's Golden Boot winner Marcelinho once again proved why he was the biggest threat as he struck a double and assisted two goals for Pune.
ATK were held to a goalless draw by Kerala Blasters in the ISL opener in Kochi as they are missing their star Tottenham Hotspur recruit Robbie Keane.
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