Kerala blast NorthEast United 3-1

Kochi, October 6 

Kerala Blasters recorded a convincing 3-1 win over NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Kerala Blasters scored the first goal in the 49th minute through Josu. Former India striker Mohammad Rafi doubled the lead in the 68th minute. Sanchez Watt further consolidated the hosts' position with another goal in the 72nd minute, leaving the visitors clueless. 

NorthEast brought the margin down to 3-1 when Argentine Nicolas Velez scored in the 82nd minute. Blasters garnered full points from the game.

Earlier, in the first-half, both the teams failed to find the back of the net.  

Pep talk by Sachin

Before the start of the game, Kerala team owner Sachin Tendulkar drove from the airport straight to the team hotel and gave a pep talk to his team. He said he would  be there in the stadium to cheer them. —  PTI