Last year’s golden boot winner, Marcelinho proved to be FC Pune City’s saviour as he scored a late goal to hand his team a 1-0 win over NorthEast United FC on Wednesday.
With the match heading for a draw after a series of missed chances at both ends, Marcelinho delivered the winner in the 86th minute. The goal could prove to be decisive in the final analysis for Pune City as they have now moved to the second spot with 25 points from 14 matches and are closer to qualification for play-offs.
NorthEast United continue to occupy the ninth spot with 11 points after 13 matches and may find it difficult to qualify even if they win all their remaining five matches. NorthEast United have not managed to keep a clean sheet at home since their first home match and they conceded towards the end.
It was Marcelinho who got the goal that Pune were hunting for all night and came when the visitors had pulled out their top scorer Emiliano Alfaro.
Substitute Marko Stankovic made it happen with a delightful through ball for Marcelinho. The Brazilian striker kept his cool despite being chased by two NorthEast defenders and then beat onrushing goalkeeper TP Reheneesh.
Till Marcelinho managed to break the deadlock, both teams had chances to seal full points.
Pune City had the best opportunity in the opening half and it was Alfaro who missed a sitter.
NorthEast had their chances as well during the second half.
The best chance fell at the feet of Lalrindika Ralte when Seiminlen Doungel’s cross from the right was clipped by Cezario and fell nicely for Ralte but he disappointed with his finish as he dragged the ball across the face of the goal.
Pune City will now travel to Mumbai for the reverse leg of Maharashtra Derby on Sunday, while the Highlanders travel to Jamshedpur for their next fixture.
-Inputs from PTI