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The Men of Steel returned for a crucial game after a disheartening loss against SC East Bengal, ready to take on their next challenge against Chennaiyin FC. As Owen Coyle faced his former club the second time this season, the team donned a confident approach as they entered the pitch with changes to their squad to take away the three points and a much-needed win at the GMC Stadium Bambolim.
Jamshedpur FC took the fixture underway with high spirits, kick-starting the game with high intensity. They came with their first attack, looking to score as they headed towards the Chennaiyin FC goalpost, but they were unsuccessful in putting it in the back of the net. Within a few minutes, even Chennaiyin FC came through with an attack with a beautiful long cross from the former Jamshedpur player, Memo Moura, to Chhangte as he cut inside to enter the box and pulled the trigger on target. Lucky for Jamshedpur, TP Rehenesh did not hesitate to make the save as he dived and stretched to push the ball away from the goal. Both teams did not let the intensity die down, with continuous attacks raining from both sides as each looked to take their team to the lead in the first 45′ itself.
Chennaiyin FC dominated the final third with long shots as well as powerful attempts from inside the box but the defensive backline of Jamshedpur FC stood strong to intercept every shot at goal, thus keeping the score fair and square. Both teams also took some ambitious long attempts from outside the box, but no luck came for either of the teams as the shots went off the crossbar.
The Jamshedpur FC centre-back, Stephen Eze, was a defensive force at the back with multiple crucial interceptions and blocks, denying the opposition from taking any lead in the first half. Chennaiyin FC came in with a quick attack in the 30th minute; they were almost about to take the lead with a cracking shot by Rahim Ali from inside the box, but Ricky was vigilant enough; he body-blocked the shot which could have possibly ended in the back of the net. And that’s how a competitive 45′ came to end with the score being goalless. Both sides unleashed numerous counter-attacks on the opposition’s goal but all opportunities were strongly dealt with by the defensive line-up of Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC.
The second half kick started with even more energy as Jamshedpur FC stepped up their attacking game. They seemed determined to get the edge over Chennaiyin FC. Alex Lima lit up the midfield with his Brazilian spirit, some fiery dribbles and through balls for the attacking line-up as well as some attempts from far off the box. However, all shots flew over the post. A close call came for Chennaiyin FC as Narender received the ball in the 40 yards position and played a smart ground pass instead of a lobbed ball which invaded right through the Chennaiyin defence and straight to the skipper, Peter Hartley. The English defender messed up the first touch on the ball as the loose touch was caught by the Chennaiyin keeper.
Jamshedpur FC were dominant in their approach as they rained down more attacks at the opposition goal. Another opportunity came for them as Aitor chipped the ball into the box. Hartley leaped to get his head on the ball, looking to score a goal but he missed it. Again, the ball ended at David Grande’s feet who also took an attempt to score his first goal, but the shot flew off the crossbar. The teams tussled till the very end, looking to grab the win but the defence of both teams were solid and compact at the back as they diverted every shot on target away from the frame.
Just when it seemed that the intense fixture would end in another goalless draw for Jamshedpur FC, the numerous ambitious attacks paid off as the new starting forward, David Grande, made the best out of the opportunity given by the head coach, Owen Coyle, with a late winner which turned out to be disastrous for Chennaiyin FC. The play started with Farukh with the ball being a little far off the half-line as he spotted the run from Grande into the box. Farukh lobbed the ball straight to Grande’s feet as the forward with a great first touch, beat his marker with a smart touch to the left and took a shot which was heading for the far post. The Chennaiyin FC defender, Sipovic, sensed the danger and tried to block the shot away but instead ended up scoring an own goal after a slight touch to the shot. The ball ended in the back of the net with the keeper Vishal Kaith totally committed to the opposite direction. The Jamshedpur FC men celebrated as they gained total control of the game with just five minutes of extra time remaining. Chennaiyin FC, with little hope, tried to get back in the game with a late equaliser, but they were unsuccessful in getting the ball into the net.
The last play saw a clash between Sipovic and Peter Hartley after a few cheap fouls by both sides and the referee warned both defenders with a yellow card. The referee blew the final whistle and Jamshedpur FC celebrated their second victory in the month of February, climbing to sixth position on the league table.
The qualification to playoffs now seems a little more close for the Men of Steel after tonight’s win at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim.
