Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: The unbeaten run of NorthEast United FC came to an end in ISL this season when they suffered 0-3 lost to ATK at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here today. With this victory ATK reclaimed the top spot in points table.
It was the fourth for ATK and they have 14 points from seven matches while the Highlanders, who also played seventh games of the season, have 10 points and are in fourth place.
An early strike from David Williams (11') and a brace from Roy Krishna (35', 90+4') was enough for Antonio Habas’ team to hand NorthEast their first defeat of the season. With the strikes taking his goal tally to six, Krishna also became the leading goalscorer this season.
In the 11th minute, a lapse in concentration by the hosts’ defence allowed Williams to pounce and give ATK the lead. Prabir Das ran down the flank unmarked to latch onto Edu Garcia’s through-ball and found Williams at the far post with a cross. The in-form forward leapt over his marker to head the ball into the net.
Boosted by the opener, ATK threatened the hosts with quick counters and doubled their lead before the break. Williams delivered an excellent ball for Krishna who attacked the space behind the visitors’ defence, dropped his shoulder to get past the last defender and slotted past Subhasish Roy.
Habas’ team continued to pose a threat after the change of ends. On the other hand NorthEast found it hard to create clear-cut opportunities as they failed to play quality football this evening. Martin Chaves’ 30-yard pile driver flew harmlessly over the bar.
ATK added another goal in injury time. Substitute Jobby Justin released Krishna into space behind the backline and the Fijian striker’s neat finish found the net.
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