Panchkula: Spaniard Juan Quero Barraso’s stellar strike helped defending campions Minerva Punjab FC register a 1-0 victory over Neroca FC in an I-League encounter here, Saturday.
With the win, Minerva Punjab FC jumps to seventh in the table, leapfrogging Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala FC and Indian Arrows.
This result ends Minerva’s frustrating winless run after 80 days. The Punjab-based team’s last win came against Quess East Bengal in Kolkata December 4 last year.
Akash Sangwan had an early chance in the seventh minute of the match when he found space in the left-flank but his cross was gathered with ease by Neroca goalkeeper Lalit Thapa.
Amandeep had a great chance to open the account for Minerva in the 21st minute after being played in by Amna but his shot narrowly missed the post. Minerva came close once again in the 41st minute when Amna’s 30-yard shot missed the crossbar by a few inches.
Visitors Neroca’s closest chance came in the 43rd minute when Subash Singh found his way through an array of Minerva defenders. Unfortunately, for the visiting side he could not find the back of the net.
The home side almost took the lead when Chothe’s dangerous cross was converted by second-half substitute Moinuddin Khan. But the midfielder was adjudged offside by the linesman.
Minerva did not have to wait long for the goal though as Moinuddin’s low cross to Barraso ended up in the Spaniard putting his side ahead in the 68th minute.
Both sides continued to play free-flowing football for the rest of the half but Minerva held on to their lead to secure all three points.
PTI