I-League Media Team

Pune: Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka’s 82nd minute set-piece gave Pune FC the much needed win that allowed the Red Lizards to narrow the gap with the table toppers, after the Round 15 match in the Hero I-League Football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium on Tuesday.

Sueoka’s reflexes won him the ‘Player of the match’ award as he complimented Montenegran striker Darko Nikac’s run after almost 80 minutes of struggle without a goal being scored.

Nikac made a fantastic run from the left beating two defenders before sending the ball right into the box where Sueoka arrived just in time to guide the ball past a diving Karanjit Singh.

The win made no difference to the standings though, but two draws on the same day helped Pune FC to get closer to the leading pack. Bengaluru FC drew Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa drew Royal Wahingdoh in home matches to settle for one point.

Three full points took Pune FC to 20 from 12 matches, while Bengaluru and Wahingdon have 22 points each from 13 matches so far.

Once the lead was taken, Pune FC sprung into life forcing Salgaocar into defensive. Francis Kasonde and Augustine Fernandes were kept busy as Sueoka, Nikac and Fanai Lalrempuia kept up the pressure.

Salgaocar tried their best to get into Pune FC forte, but the Red Lizards were little too lucky. Three minutes from close Gurjinder Kumar created a chance but he smashed high into the air 10 yards from the goal with just Pune FC custodian Amrinder Singh to beat.

On the counter, Pune FC moved ahead through Nikac, who seemed tired after almost 90 minutes of running. Salgaocar defender Augustin failed to clear the ball at first instance as he skied the ball, but then headed it to avoid any more damage.

Four minutes were added into the regulation time and Salgaocar were still hoping to find an equalizer. Thangiam Singh earned a free-kick in the third minute of injury time and Pereira lined up everyone in the box. But Nicolau Colaco’s shot blasted over the cross bar.