|
Calcutta: Pailan Arrows’ new jersey may have incurred the match commissioner’s wrath, but it brought them luck.
The Arthur Papas-coached side recorded their first victory in six matches as the defeated Lajong FC on Sunday’s I-League tie, here at the Salt Lake Stadium.
In what turned out to be a contest where mediocrity ruled the roost, Prabir Das’ 39th-minute strike separated the two sides.
Courtesy this victory, the Arrows moved up to seventh in the standings with 21 points. While, Lajong, on the other hand, are rooted at No. 9.
In any case, the going would be a difficult one for both teams due to the absence of some of their key players. That said, the show on offer from Arrows and Lajong was extremely scrappy, with play confined mainly to the midfield.
Lajong created more chances, but ran out of ideas in front of the goal. In the ninth minute, striker Sushil Singh had an excellent opportunity to take the Shillong-based unit ahead when Lalramluaha squared from the right flank.
Despite being just a few yards away from the target, Sushil still flicked it wide off the second post.
Substitute Taisuke Matsugae found himself in a good position to get one through in the 54th minute, but on this occasion as well, the goal eluded Lajong as the Japanese’s left-footer missed the target.
| 
