Kolkata: RoundGlass Punjab FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Mohammedan SC in their Hero I-League 2021-22 Championship Stage match held at the Naihati Stadium on Tuesday. Joseba Beitia scored from the penalty spot in the first half, with Kurtis Guthrie adding to his tally late in the game.
The first half began with RoundGlass Punjab FC dictating the tempo of play and attacking with intent – earning three corner-kicks within 10 minutes.
In the 13th minute, Guthrie found space inside the penalty area to shoot, only to be denied by a sharp save from rival custodian Zothanmawia. Moments later, Guthrie was on the end of a low Kean Lewis cross but again, the keeper stopped the shot.
Mohammedan SC took the lead much against the run of play in the 22nd minute through Faizal Ali, who latched on to a shot that rebounded off the post. Two minutes later, though, RoundGlass Punjab FC levelled the score through skipper Beitia.
Travis Major was fouled inside the penalty box after a darting run and the captain made no mistake from the spot as he lashed the ball home.
The first period drew to a close with the scores level at 1-1, with Maheson Singh coming close to scoring in the 29th minute and RoundGlass Punjab FC keeper Jaspreet Singh doing well to keep out shots from Marcus Joseph and SK Faiaz.
Aakash Sangwan created the first big chance after the break in the 49th minute with a cross for Lewis, who couldn’t connect cleanly with his header.
Guthrie latched on to a through-pass from Freddy Lallawmawma at the hour mark and was able to round the goalkeeper, only to be denied by a last-second clearance. At the other end, Jaspreet showed excellent agility to make two low saves in the 60th and 67th minutes and keep the scoreline level.
However, five minutes later, Joseph handed Mohammedan the lead with a close-range strike. The advantage could have been extended further but Jaspreet was on hand to keep out efforts on two more occasions.
After a wave of incessant pressure, RoundGlass Punjab FC found the equalizer through Guthrie, who headed home a pinpoint cross from Major in the 82nd minute. He almost added another two minutes from time with an instinctive effort from close range, but the shot went agonizingly past the post.
In the end, the spoils were shared as the match ended at a score of 2-2. In its next game, RoundGlass Punjab FC will face Rajasthan United FC on Saturday (April 30).
About RoundGlass Punjab FC
RoundGlass Punjab FC is a dynamic new entrant in Indian football that aims to channelise the energy of the youth towards the sport and place India on the world football map. We are establishing a unique brand of fast, progressive, and inspiring football that our fans and supporters have come to love. The Club, which boasts promising domestic and international players, is redefining football coaching, infrastructure, and grassroots development in Punjab with the aim of identifying and nurturing talent to international standards.
Learn more: https://sports.round.glass/punjab-football-club/
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