U15 Youth League: Pune FC hammer Steadfast Academy 6-0; regain top position
The big win in this Maharashtra Zone, Round 2 encounter was powered by a hattrick from striker Ishan Dey (3rd, 13th Penalty & 62nd minute) – his second in as many games - along with goals from Mozaffar Ali (71st & 76th) and Cladeo Nongpluh (83rd).
A first-ever away win meant Pune FC (6 pts, GD +13) regained their top position in the Maharashtra Zone ahead of Mumbai FC (6 pts, GD +4) on goal difference.
Going into their first away game of the season, Pune FC Coach Mohan Dass made three changes to the squad handing first starts to goalkeeper Deepak Saravanan, defender Gulab Madavi and striker Aakash Banerjee.
It didn’t take long for Pune FC to break the deadlock as they scored almost instantly in the 3rd minute itself. In-form striker Ishan Dey controlled Shreepad Dorge’s cut back from the left flank to slot home from close. The youngster then doubled his and Pune FC’s tally ten minutes later converting a penalty kick earned after Mozaffar Ali was fouled in the box.
Pune FC continued to dominate proceedings and had a host of chances, but poor finishing in the final third meant the first half ended 2-0.
Coach Mohan Dass then brought in medio Sachin K. in place of Aryan Irani to add more firepower up front having already brought in Gulam Ansari to replace Aakash Banerjee in the first half.
The opening quarter of the second half saw Pune FC push up in numbers. Their dominance finally culminated into a goal in the 62nd minute when Ishan found the back of the net to notch his second consecutive hattrick. The young striker timed his run to perfection to meet Gulam’s cross in from the right and slot home the third to take his individual tally in the competition to six goals.
Medio Mozaffar increased Pune FC’s lead further scoring for the second game in a row after striking home twice from close range in quick succession to make it 5-0 in the 76th minute.
Seven minutes from time, playmaker Cladeo sealed the 6-0 win with a stunning left-footed effort from outside the box.
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