Robin Singh scored on return from national duty while Richard Gadzie proved to be the ‘super sub' with a late goal as Delhi Dynamos notched up a narrow 2-1 win over FC Pune City in the Indian Super League (ISL) football in Pune on Wednesday.
This was Dynamos' second win in three outings, while Pune suffered their first defeat at home at the Balewadi Stadium.
India striker Robin Singh scored his debut ISL goal in the 23rd minute to put the visitors ahead and then a late strike from substitute Gadzie (90'+7') settled the closely contested affair in Dynamos' favour.
Kalu Uche (90'+8') scored a last-gasp consolation goal for the hosts.
Configured in a 4-3-3 formation, Diego Colotto and Gouramangi Singh formed the core of the defense for the home side.
Dharmaraj Ravanan and Nicky Shorey were the two full-backs, while James Bailey, Lenny Rodrigues and Manish Maithani patrolled midfield.
Wesley Verhoek and Kalu Uche, who were earning their first starts for the side in the ISL, were the attackers.
The six changes did not work for Pune as it were Delhi Dynamos who were calling the shots. Former Chelsea FC winger Florent Malouda was the star of the game and pulled strings from midfield and it was he who set-up the opening goal.
In the 23rd minute, Pune conceded a corner that was taken by Malouda, who smartly floated the ball into the middle where an unmarked Robin Singh did well to head the ball into the goal.
It was Delhi’s first goal in three matches from open play.
Pune were stunned by the setback and tried to attack in numbers. Whatever Pune tried, Delhi were solid in defence, led by John Arne Riise, to avert the danger.
Delhi were mighty aggrieved in the 45th minute when Gustavo dos Santos appeared to have been fouled inside the danger zone by Bailey but the referee ignored strong claims from the Brazilian midfielder.
After the lemon break, Pune increased the pressure with Tuncay Sanli and Uche combining well. In the 48th minute, Uche released Sanli inside the box but his attempt was collected on second attempt by Delhi goalkeeper Doblas. Had someone been around to pounce on the rebound, Pune could have had the equalizer.
Ten minutes later, Uche went close as he headed Jackichand Singh’s free-kick but Doblas proved equal to the task.
Delhi Dynamos scored their second goal in the sixth minute of added time when Brazilian midfielder Vinicius worked his way down the left flank and then essayed the ball for Gadze who finished with a simple tap.
Pune, finally, got a goal they were hunting for all night as Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s shot was parried away by the Delhi goalkeeper with his feet only for Uche to head home the rebound.
Pune would have been encouraged by the goal but there was no time left for a comeback.
