Punjab FC play draw against Real Kashmir

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 18

RoundGlass Punjab FC’s three-match winning streak came to a halt as it played a 1-1 draw against Real Kashmir FC in the I-League top of the table clash at Kalyani Municipal Stadium, West Bengal, today.

Joseba Beitia’s penalty was cancelled out by Dipanda Dicka’s header in an eventful second half, which also saw two red cards.

Punjab decided against making any changes from its win against Chennai City whereas Real Kashmir made two changes as Dipanda Dicka and Lalrindika Ralte were brought back to the starting line-up after its thrilling 4-3 win against NEROCA.

In an end-to-end start, it was RoundGlass Punjab, who came close to breaking the deadlock in the 6th minute as Papa Diawara’s lobbed header was cleared off the line by Mason Robertson. The game slowly settled down as they started dominating possession.

By the 20th minute, Curtis Fleming’s side held a massive 72 per cent possession.

RoundGlass turned up the pressure, winning two free kicks, one after the other. The first one was hit straight into the wall by Chencho Gyeltshen in the 21st minute. Two minutes later, it won another free kick from 25-odd yards and Joseba Beitia forced Mithun Samantha into tipping his effort over the bar.

RoundGlass came close again to opening the score line through a long throw on the 56th minute. However, Diawara headed his effort inches wide of the goal after Irshad’s flick inside the box. Four minutes later, Limbu had to be alert as he carried away Mason Robertson’s low powerful drive.

The game took an ugly turn in the 63rd minute when Chencho clashed with Haroon Amiri in an off-the-ball incident and both received their marching orders. The opening goal finally came after Dharmaraj Ravanan fouled substitute Sumit Passi in the area and Joseba Beitia slotted his penalty low past Mithun Samantha on the 67th minute.

Mason Robertson was at the end of Sena Ralte’s long cross into the area. The defender sent his first-time cross across the goal where Dicka headed the ball over the line, levelling the score line.