ISL 2020-21: Wasteful Kerala Blasters settle for point vs Jamshedpur FC
Kerala Blasters FC were left to rue missed chances in a goalless draw with Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim on Wednesday.
Kerala were the better team and created more chances than Jamshedpur, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third, which denied them their fourth win of the season.
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Jamshedpur dominated the opening quarter and had the opportunity to take the lead early on, following a blunder from Kerala keeper Albino Gomes. He miscued a clearance, gifting the ball straight to Nerijus Valskis. The striker popped a shot at goal but Albino recovered well in time by managing a finger-tip save, which kissed the far-post before going out.
Valskis missed another good chance in the 30th minute after some lovely build-up play from Jamshedpur. Aitor Monroy found the Lithuanian in the box with a delightful lob but Valskis fluffed his shot as he attempted an acrobatic volley.
Kerala dominated the second quarter and fashioned three big chances, only to be denied by the woodwork on all occasions.
The first was when Gary Hooper unleashed a long-range shot that struck the underside of the crossbar before bouncing back into play. However, replays suggested that the ball had crossed the line but it went unnoticed by the officials.
Minutes later, Sandeep Singh whipped a teasing cross for Jordan Murray whose header brushed the upside of the frame.
And then, Lalthathanga Khawlhring rattled the crossbar again from close range in first half injury time, leaving Kerala assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed frustrated on the touchline.
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Kerala started the second half on the front foot as well, and had an opportunity get the opener after the hour mark when Khawlhring created space on the right and delivered a cross towards Murray at the far-post. The Australian's looped header, however, flew inches wide of goal.
Kerala created several more chances in the closing stages, but lacked the finishing touch, and in the end had to settle for a point.
Game Information
Indian Super League Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru FC | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | +7 | 17 |
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | +5 | 14 |
| NorthEast United FC | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +5 | 12 |
| Chennaiyin FC | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +4 | 12 |
| FC Goa | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | +3 | 12 |
| Punjab FC | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | +3 | 12 |
| Jamshedpur FC | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | -5 | 12 |
| Mumbai City FC | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | +2 | 10 |
| Odisha FC | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | -1 | 9 |
| Kerala Blasters FC | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -4 | 8 |
| Hyderabad | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 7 |
| Mohammedan SC | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -8 | 5 |
| SC East Bengal | 7 | 0 | 1 | 6 | -8 | 1 |
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