Neroca FC defeated Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 to go atop I- League table on Sunday. Liberian defender Varney Kallon Kiatamba scored two minutes before half-time which was enough for the newly- promoted side to win all three points at their home ground and unsettle Minerva Punjab FC at the top.
Manager Gift Raikhan decided not to disturb Neroc’s winning combination which defeated Churchill Brothers in their away game earlier this week.
However, Kerala’s Bino George made three changes in the starting eleven which defeated Shillong Lajong in the previous game. Kivi Zhimoni, Santu Singh and Daniel Addo made way for Arjun Jayaraj, Henry Kisekka and Balwinder Singh. The visitors received an early blow when Laldampuia had to leave the field with an injury in the ninth minute of the game. George introduced Kivi Zhimoni in place of the injured winger.
Neroca deservingly went into the break with a one goal lead after dominating proceedings in the first 45 minutes. Gokulam could hardly contain the hosts after the resumption of the game.
While Gift Raikhan would have been a content man as his side leapfrogged Minerva Punjab FC to go top of the standings, an injury to Glen Aryn Williams will be a concern but with three upcoming home matches, there will be some respite for the club who now have 27 points from 14 games.
Gokulam, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 10 points to show from their 12 outings. Neroca will now host Northeastern rivals Aizawl FC on February 10 whereas the Kerala outfit will travel to Kolkata to lock horns with Mohun Bagan two days later.
-Inputs from PTI