ISL 2017: Jamshedpur FC beats Delhi Dynamos 1-0, registers their first win

Hero ISL M17 - Delhi v Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur FC registered their first win of the tournament. Image Source: ISL

Internet Desk: Jamshedpur FC kept a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive match but unlike their previous three games, they finally earned full 3 points in Hero Indian Super League Season 4, defeating Delhi Dynamos 1-0 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi, on Wednesday.

Nigerian forward Izu Azuka scored the all-important goal in the 61st minute after Andre Bikey had missed a penalty at the hour mark.

Delhi Dynamos enjoyed the majority of possession early in the first half but the first big chance came at the other end in the 21st minute. Brazilian midfielder Memo’s forward ball for Bikash Jairu set up the attack and the winger found Azuka in the box. The last named, however, saw his attempt sail wide of the post.

At one point Miguel Angel Portugal’s side had over 71 percent possession but had nothing else to show. Jamshedpur FC were happy to defend deep inside their own half and tried to hit Delhi on the counter whenever possible. Siddharth Singh’s darting run into the Delhi box in the 29th minute opened up a shooting opportunity for Matheus Trindade, but the Brazilian’s side-footed shot was well blocked by Vinit Rai.

Delhi continued to dominate possession in the second half but Jamshedpur FC were showing more ambition going forward. In the 56th minute, Jamshedpur FC were presented a golden opportunity to take the lead from the spot after Pratik Choudary brought down Azuka inside the box. Former Cameroonian international, Andre Bikey stepped up to take the kick but his tame effort was easily stopped by Delhi Dynamos goalkeeper Albino Gomes.

Just two minutes later, Steve Coppell’s side went ahead thanks to Azuka’s header. Mehtab Hossain’s free-kick from the left found Azuka unmarked inside the box and the Nigerian forward had a simple task of guiding the ball past the Delhi goalkeeper.

Delhi tried to get back into the game but couldn’t find a way past Jamshedpur’s solid defensive line. Despite having 70% of ball possession the Delhi side failed to really trouble Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper Subrata Paul who now has four clean sheets in a row.