(Football news) At the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Friday, Jamshedpur FC took on hosts FC Goa with hopes to secure a win after a 1-1 draw against SC East Bengal. The home side endured a difficult 3-0 defeat to rivals Mumbai City FC and were in a vengeful mood ahead of the clash and hoped to have learnt from their mistakes both offensively and defensively.

FC Goa manager Juan Ferrando made a few changes as Jorge Ortiz was brought in with Devendra Murgaonkar leading the line. Akram Cabrera found himself on the bench while Reliance Foundation Young Champs Academy graduate Muhammed Nemil was included in the match day squad for the first time. For Jamshedpur FC, former Rangers attacking midfielder Greg Stewart made his debut in the ISL after winning the Scottish Premiership under Steven Gerrard. Eli Sabina was dropped and Komal Thatal was positioned on the wings.

Despite FC Goa enjoying most of the possession, Jamshedpur FC had the better chances, especially due to set pieces. Sikkim-born Komal Thatal found Jitendra inside FC Goa’s box and whipped up a few dangerous crosses to test the Gaur’s defenders within the first quarter of an hour. Such was Jamshedpur’s 4-4-2 set up that FC Goa could not find the space to launch counter attacks. The visitors came close to opening their account five minutes before the end of the first half when Len Doungel was played through after a mispass but the 27 year old’s first attempt was saved by FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem and the rebound went over the bar.

Ferrando’s team talk at half time had some effect on his side as FC Goa threatened the visitors with a free kick that found Alberto Noguera who was denied by Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper Rehenesh. The first goal came for the visitors in the 51st minute as Nerijus Valskis broke the deadlock with a long range left footed strike, thereby ending his 10 game goalless streak. The 34 year old Lithuanian doubled his side’s lead ten minutes later when he rose highest to nod home Greg Stewart’s curling free kick.

FC Goa did manage to find a consolation goal through Jordan Murray in the 80th minute but it was quite an uninspiring performance from Juan Ferrando’s side who never looked like winning the match and were utterly dominated by Jamshedpur FC. The Gaurs will face NorthEast United FC on Saturday, 4th December while Jamshedpur FC will face Hyderabad FC on Thursday, 2nd December at 7:30 pm IST.

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