Continuing their resurgence, FC Goa made it a hat-trick of wins in Guwahati on Friday, and the 2-0 victory against NorthEast United FC catapulted them to the second spot of the Indian Super League (ISL) table.With 19 points from 10 games, the Gaurs trail league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant (20 points) by only a point. Mumbai City FC closely follow them with 18 points. However, both MBSG and MCFC have a game in hand.Dejan Drazic (20th) netted the opener early in the first half at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, while a second-half stoppage-time strike by substitute Mohammed Yasir (90+3) ensured the visitors grabbed all three points on offer to rise in the 14-team roster.With consecutive losses, the Highlanders remained rooted to the 12th place with seven points from 10 games. Delivering a rock-solid performance as centre-back, visiting captain Sandesh Jhingan was adjudged the Player of the Match.Though the hosts began the proceedings on a brighter note, profligacy in front of the goal made sure the scoreline remained goalless till FC Goa broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Striker Muhammed Nemil sent in a cheeky lofted pass from deep to winger Drazic, whose right-footed strike went into the bottom corner to give Goa a deserving lead.Unfortunately, Drazic’s evening was short-lived as he picked up an injury and was replaced by Abdul Rabeeh only six minutes after giving FC Goa the lead.Goa continued to forge meaningful partnerships up front, but some narrow misses meant they could not double the lead before the breather. The Goa backline, led by an ever-alert Jhingan, stood strong to deny the hosts.The change of ends didn’t bring any change to the playing pattern, though. While NEUFC continued their search for an equaliser with mostly weak attempts in the second half too, Goa probed the NEUFC defence without much success.As NorthEast upped the ante towards the end of the game to draw level, Goa sealed the match with a late strike three minutes into added time. Wing-back Aakash Sangwan’s cross from the left found Mohammed Yasir on the right, and the Manipuri winger curled in a superb left-footer into the top left corner, which went in after hitting the inside of the left upright, to complete a commanding outing for the Gaurs.
