Kalyani, April 28: Kenkre FC took Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) to a goalless draw in the Hero I-League on Thursday at Kalyani Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak to three games.
TRAU was the better team as they controlled the game in midfield with 57 percent ball possession. They made 19 shots, seven of which hit the target, but it wasn’t enough to break the tie. Kenkre, on the other hand, fired 11 rounds, six of which hit the target.
TRAU got off to a fast start in their third game of the relegation phase, with Joseph Olaleye and Laishram Milan Singh trying to create early chances for their team. Kenkre, on the other hand, relied on his defensive prowess. Kenkre came into this game with two wins in a row, and it showed in his performance.
In the fifth minute, Brazilian star Fernandinho came close to breaking the tie, but an extraordinary save by Kenkre goalkeeper Padam Chettri denied him a well-deserved goal.
Fernandinho attempted another long-range shot in the 15th minute, but it went wide as TRAU continued their assault in the first quarter of the game. Joseph tried to create a wonderful opportunity for his team by setting up Fernandinho with a ball in the opponent’s box, but the Brazilian was unable to seize the opportunity.
After being assisted by Fernandinho, Khanngam Horam attempted a close-range goal in the 20th minute, but his attempt was easily saved by the goalkeeper. He had the option of returning to Fernandinho, but he chose to try his luck.
After failing to find anyone to pass the ball to, Jospeh attempted another shot from a yard in the 37th minute. Padam Chettri deftly saved Joseph’s effort.
In the 39th minute, TRAU got his second corner. Naresh Singh Yendrembam took the corner and played a fantastic ball to Khanngam Horam, but his header hit the crossbar and TRAU was unable to shoot into the back of the net once again.
In the 42nd minute, Fernandinho and Joseph collaborated to produce another chance for TRAU, but it was not converted. Horam attempted another header in the 45th minute after receiving a ball from Roshan Singh but it was cleared by Suraj Jeet Singh Negi.
TRAU started the second half on the right foot, continuing their attack in the hope of achieving their first victory in the second phase of the league. Meanwhile, Kenkre picked up the pace as the game progressed, looking for the counterattack.
In the 54th minute, Joseph attempted another shot and K Krishnananda Singh ran in for a touch, but Padam Chhetri decided to win the ball back and prevented any mistakes. Horam attempted another shot in the 56th minute and came close to hitting Chhetri at the far post, but his attempt went wide.
Kenkre’s best chance came in the 58th minute when Akeraj Martins attempted to assist Ranjeet Singh Pandre. The striker was unable to locate the ball, which was recovered by Loitongbam Bishorjit Singh.
In the 68th minute, Sapam Bishorjit Meitei shot for TRAU, but it was deflected by an excellent save from Chhetri, who stretched out with his left foot to stop the ball.
Ranjeet made a superb attempt for Kenkre in the 79th minute, but Bishorjit held his ground to deny him the goal. Ranjeet was the standout player for his team, but was replaced by Arya Gandharva during stoppage time.
TRAU made several tries as the game neared the end and was the better team throughout the game. They will be disappointed with the result.