RoundGlass Punjab thrash Mohammedan, climb to top of the table

Kolkata: RoundGlass Punjab FC (RGPFC) got the better of Mohammedan SC 4 – 0 ending the home team’s unbeaten run in the Round 13 fixture of the Hero I-League 2022-23 season played here at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. With the win, RoundGlass Punjab FC have climbed to the top of the table ahead of Sreenidi Deccan. Slovenian Luka Majcen and Spaniard Juan Mera scored a goal each in both halves to complete the demolition for the winners.

RGPFC coach Staikos Vergetis made four changes to the starting line up with Hmingthanmawia, Suresh Meitei, Ashis Pradhan and Juan Mera staring in the place of Aleksander Ignjatovic, Pranjal Bhumij, Deepak Devrani and Freddy Lallawmawma. Mohammedan coach Kibu Vicuna fielded his strong side for the match. Both teams struggled to find momentum in the early stages of the match. RGPFC started to gain some attacking momentum and found the desired result in the 17th minute of the match. Brandon Vanlalremdika’s cross found Luka Majcen inside the box who cushioned a header for Juan Mera whose expert finish found the net beating Mohammedan custodian Sankar Roy. RGPFC controlled the match after the goal and did not allow Mohammedan to create any clear cut chances. RGPFC doubled their lead in the 41st minute through Luka Majcen, whose curling shot from the edge of the box left the Mohammedan keeper helpless as the ball found the top corner.

The second half also saw the same style of play with both teams playing in the same fashion from the first half. Luka Majcen increased the lead for RGPFC in the 52nd minute. Juan Mera’s freekick found Hmingthanmawia who headed the ball across the box to find an unmarked Luka. The forward did not make any mistake and scored his 8th goal of the season giving the away side a three goal cushion. RGPFC piled on the misery to the home team and scored the fourth goal of the match in the 75th minute. Juan Mera who is on a good run of form hit a pile driver of a shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner. The best chance for Mohammedan came in the 80th minute when Mirlan Murzaev hit the crossbar. RGPFC were hungry for more goals as they kept on attacking a depleted Mohammedan side but could not increase the score line. Luka Majcen was adjudged the Hero of the Match for his two goals and one assist in the match.

RGPFC have 26 points from twelve matches while Mohammedan SC have 16 points from thirteen matches. RGPFC will face Real Kashmir FC on January 27th January at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula in their next match.