KOLKATA (India): Gokulam Kerala defeated Indian Arrows 4-0 in the I-League match at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani near here on Friday.
Strikes by Emil Benny, Dennis Antwi, substitute Lalromawia and Ronald Singh in the second half gave the Malabarians much-needed three points to go fourth on the points table with 13 points in eight matches.
Coming on the back of a solid 3-1 win over TRAU in their last match, Gokulam looked to extend their winning streak. But the Indian Arrows proved no pushovers in the first half as the Malabarians hardly created a clear goal-scoring chance and were held at bay with ease.
Gokulam Kerala FC came on spurred in the second half and wasted little time in formalities, attacking right from the start. A cross from the left flank caused havoc in the Arrows’ penalty box in the 47th minute and the opportunity fell to Emil Benny, who tapped home from close range to hand the Malabarians a solitary goal lead.
Next, in the 50th minute, the Malabarians were awarded a second penalty and this time, Dennis Antwi converted with ease and beat Ahaan Prakash to double Gokulam’s lead.
Two goals in quick succession gave Gokulam Kerala FC much-needed breathing space after a weak attacking performance in the first half. In the 58th minute, Sharif Mohammad tried his luck from distance but his venomous shot was saved by Ahaan Prakash.
With a two-goal advantage, the Malabarians tried to solidify their position in the match by defending deep and rarely attacking as they enjoyed the majority of possession. In the 77th minute, Philip Adjah had an opportunity to make it 3-0 but his curling shot from inside the box went inches wide of the goal.
