Just when it looked like FC Goa’s poor discipline would yet again came to haunt them after a player was sent off, they rallied to beat NorthEast United 2-1 at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday.

Sahil Tavora was sent off for the home side 15 minutes from time and it looked like they would have to settle for a draw after striker Robin Singh’s equaliser swung the momentum in their favour. NorthEast United’s bad habit of conceding late goals came to their downfall as Romeo Fernandes took full advantage of a tired defence to grab the winner with seconds left for the end of the contest.

NorthEast United took the lead in the 50th minute through a deflected shot from Seityasen Singh, leaving the impressive Laxmikant Kattimani flat-footed. The visitors, who had lost three games on the trot coming into this contest raided the Goan territory with great gusto. A combination of poor finishing and Kattimani’s excellent goalkeeping kept United at bay.

Katsumi Yusa came close to putting United in the lead with a lethal free-kick, which rolled out of play after striking the crossbar. United kicked on from there and took a series of shots, only to see Kattimani show safe hands in front of goal.

The Goan stopper’s most impressive save of the half was from Nicolas Velez’s shot after the Argentine ran through on goal. Kattimani stopped the shot with his outstretched legs. United’s efforts finally paid off in the second half when Seityasen Singh netted what was only his second goal for the Highlanders.

Goa created pressure of their own and Robin Singh, after a string of forgettable displays, was a menace in the United box. Fernandes was the creator here, muscling his way to the by-line before finding Robin Singh in space, who jabbed the ball into the net with his left foot.

When Tavora was handed his second yellow for a reckless challenge, it looked like Goa would have to settle for a draw. United players were showing fatigue and the Goans made it count. Robin Singh could have landed the winner three minutes from time had he got to the end of a pin-point cross from Rafael Coelho – the Indian striker made a mess of the chance, not even landing a foot on the ball.

Robin Singh went on to atone for his mess with a delightful through ball to set Fernandes through on goal. The Goan midfielder rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home with seconds left in stoppage time.

Brief score:

FC Goa 2 (Robin Singh, Romeo Fernandes) beat NorthEast United 1 (Seityasen Singh)