Pune FC registers first win at the expense of Chirag Kerala

Pune FC registered their first win of the I-League 2011-12 season as they scored three goals against Chirag United Kerala and came out deserved victors in their third consecutive home game of the season. Chirag Kerala's Charles Dzisah returned a goal from the penalty spot, but it wasn't enough for Chirag to avoid their second defeat in the league.

The match began with Chirag Kerala coming from two good performances against HAL SC and Mohun Bagan, and they could have taken the lead early in the match. Former Pune FC player, Gunasekhar VIgnesh, collected the pass from the Australian forward Michael Matricciani and chipped the ball over keeper Shahinlal Meloly, but only to hit the woodwork and return.

Not much later, PFC broke the deadlock through a solo effort from Gurjinder Kumar who ran into the box  and turned defenders to produce a right footer into the goal, leaving Chirag custodian Sharath K helpless. The first half ended 1-0 to with the home side continuously bombarding the Chirag defence.

In the second half, Pune doubled their advantage through India international Jeje Lalpekhlua who tapped in after recieving the cross from substitute Shanmugam Venkatesh. Chirag pulled one back when Vineeth CK who had a lively game was brought down in the box by Chika Wali. Defender Charles Dzisah who took the shot made the scoreline 2-1.

But the Red Lizards restored their two goal advantage in the 87th minute, when Douhou Perreira drew in a rebound from a Venkatesh effort. That goal sealed the match for PFC. Jeje Lalpekhlua, with a goal was adjudged man of the match.

Pune FC now has five points from three matches, while Chirag Kerala has three from three. Chirag United will now return home to take on Air India FC at University Stadium, Trivandrum on Sunday.

Final Score: Pune FC 3-1 Chirag United Kerala FC
Goals: Gurjinder Kumar (19'), Jeje Lalpekhlua (70'), Douhou Pierre (87') - Charles Dzisah (75')

From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Wednesday 2 November 2011, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.