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DSK Shivajians FC was done in by NEROCA FC 0-3 and with it ended their dream run in the 128th Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Friday afternoon.
The Manipur-side netted via Sushil Kumar Singh (36th minute), Malemnganba Meitei (65th), Anandkumar Singh (90+3′) to squash DSK Shivajians hopes.
The loss, however, did ensure that DSK Shivajians pieced history for themselves. They became the first team from Pune to reach the Durand Cup semifinals.
Manager Dave Rogers made five changes in his playing eleven. Given starts were goalkeeper Sayak Barai, Mohammed Sajid Dhot, Vanlalremkima, K. Lalthathanga, while Lalawmpuia earned his maiden first start. Making way were Rakshit Dagar, Zohmingliana Ralte, Sairuat Kima, Hitova Ayemi and Gagandeep Singh.
DSK Shivajians began the game on the offensive and had close chances early on with a host of corner kicks. Defender Mohammed Sajid Dhot went the closest in the 10th minute when his header off Juan Quero’s corner kick from the right whizzed past the second post.
Despite the heat taking its toll on the players, DSK Shivajians continued to dominate proceedings before a taking a breather with a water break at the half hour mark.
Post the break; NEROCA began pushing up and creating pressure around the DSK Shivajians box. Medio Rohit Kumar was pulled up for a late tackle on rival striker Singam Subash Singh and the referee awarded NEROCA a penalty-kick. Sushil Kumar Singh stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way (0-1).
DSK Shivajians reorganised themselves and began pushing up. However, despite having the better chances, the score at halftime favoured NEROCA 1-0.
The second half began with both sides playing a high tempo game. DSK Shivajians were charging up from the flanks as NEROCA pushed up on counter attacks. Ten minutes in, Manager Dave Rogers made the first change as Juan Quero made way for North Korean striker Kim Song Yong with DSK Shivajians seeking an equaliser.
However, it was NEROCA who doubled their lead in the 65th minute. Sushil Kumar Singh curled in a cross from the right to find David Lalbiakzara in the box. The ex-Shivajians midfielder chested the ball down to K. Malemnganba Meitei who smashed home a half-volley from the top edge of the box leaving custodian Sayak Barai helpless in the DSK Shivajians goal.
DSK Shivajians kept pressing high up in search of a goal and almost reduced the deficit in the 78th minute. Substitute Kim Song Yong received a long ball on the right as he managed to break the offside trap and run clear in the box. However, as he tried to lob the keeper, his attempt went agonisingly wide. Minutes later Lalawmpuia benefited from the loose ball after the rival keeper had a soft collection, but his effort way wayward with no one, but a defender in goal.
Three minutes into injury time, NEROCA sealed the game with another goal when substitute Anandkumar Singh finished off a cross from the right flank by Subash Singh to make the scoreline 0-3.
