NorthEast United start ISL campaign with nervy win

Guwahati, Oct 13 (IANS) A first half stoppage time strike from Spaniard Koke helped NorthEast United FC beat Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 in the second game of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here Monday.

Sergio Contreras Pardo, otherwise known as Koke, took advantage of a poor clearance to smash home a half-volley that gave Kerala Blaster's veteran English goalie David James no chance.

It was Kerala Blasters, though, that held the upper hand when it came to stats.

The team from South India held 57 percent of the possession and had more shots on target as well.

But all that came down to nothing as the Spanish midfielder scored the all important goal to start NorthEast United FC's campaign on a winning note.

Kerala Blasters came out with intent as they looked to take control of the match at the start.

Spanish defender Joan Capdevila gave away a free-kick as early as the first minute.

The men in yellow, the Blasters, pushed forward positively and had the lion's share of the possession.

Kerala even had the ball in the back of the net in the 16th minute, but Iain Hume was denied by the offside flag.

NorthEast United FC's former Greece international goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas stood as firm as a rock in front of his goal and refused to be beaten.

He was deservingly voted "Hero of the match".

The match didn't see too much action in the first half, apart from a few tame attempts from both sides.

Durga Boro got everyone out of their seats with an incredible long range effort, only to be denied by James' fantastic save. 

The home side, consisting mostly of Shillong Lajong players, were content to sit back and play on the counter.

NorthEast United FC host Atletico de Kolkata at home Oct 16 while Kerala Blasters FC will hope to notch their first win when they take on Chennaiyin FC Oct 21.