Chennai: Steve Coppell’s homecoming, what was supposed to be a game high on emotions and attacking flair, turned into a stalemate as both Kerala Blasters and Jamshedpur FC for the second successive time played out a goalless draw, despite coming closer on a number of occasions.
It was another frustrating night for the home fans, as the Blasters despite having more possession on the ball failed to cap off a win. In fact it was the away side who had better chances and could have well walked away with an upset, but Rachubka’s save out of the blue, late into the game ensured it was not and both teams shared a point each.
Both the sides created numerous chances but either lacked the final quality ball or failed to convert, extending their unbeaten run to a second match in the fourth edition of the ISL.
Jamshedpur nearly went ahead early in the match when Kervens Belfort, who started in place of Sameehg Doutie unleashed a shot that went just inches over the bar. Another free-kick was straight into the goalkeeper’s hand.
The home side maintained a 66% possession in the first-half, with Berbatov dictating play from the middle of the park. They resorted to a passing game for most of the half, but could have well scored when Iain Hume’s cross into the box found an unmarked CK Vineet, but with only the Keeper’s to beat, the Kerala born player however fluffed his header, sending it well above the bar.
Former Manchester United player Dimitar Berbatov’s attempted volley had got the crowd excited but Subrata Paul pulled out a wonderful save to deny the Bulgarian, his first goal in India.
However the best chance of the half fell to Jamshedpur, when they won a free kick just outside the penalty box. Emerson ‘Memo’ Moura stepped up in the 30th minute to take the free-kick. His powerful strike was parried away by Rachubka, who did well to recover and save the rebound shot from Jerry Mawhmingthanga.
The second-half was a similar battle as Kerala continued keeping possession, passing the ball round with Jamshedpur happy to defend. Berbatov who the central figure in midfield dictated the paly, but was stopped from creating chances as the away side resorted to harsh tackles with both Mehtab and Faruk earning yellow cards.
Both the sides had chances but failed to deliver on the occasions. The best chance however once again fell to Kervens Belfort of Jamshedpur. A Trindade Goncalves cross from the right in the final minute, found Belfort’s header, who placed it well wide of the goalkeeper. The whole stadium has gone silent but former Manchester United academy trainee Paul Rachubka stood up to the demand, stretching full to keep the ball away from goal.