PUNE: Even as all eyes stayed on the smart but slow Adrian Mutu for the 60 minutes he was on field, it was the quiet but fiery defender Roger Johnson who stood strong as FC Pune City defeated NorthEast United FC 1-0 in the Indian Super League match on Friday.
It was a scrappy affair with both teams lacking the final touch, and it was fitting that the only goal came off a confused corner. NorthEast’s Zohmingliana Ralte nodded in an own goal off it, taken by Fanai Lalrempuia in the 73rd minute.
This was the second win in as many matches for hosts FC Pune City, who had beaten Mumbai City FC 3-1 in their opening encounter on Monday. NorthEast United though have to yet get on the board after suffering two consecutive defeats.
It was also the second consecutive day that a defender had stolen the show in the ISL. After Delhi’s John Arne Riise thwarted danger for his team Delhi Dynamos on Thursday evening, it was the 6’3 Englishman Johnson that made up for Pune’s backline lapses. With their marquee player Simao Sabrosa sidelined due to injury, NorthEast lacked the star quality upfront and while they created a lot of chances, especially in the first half, they weren’t sharp enough in their finishing.
Johnson, who was part of the Birmingham City squad that beat Arsenal 2-1 to win the 2011 League Cup, worked tirelessly at the heart of the three-pronged Pune defence. His commitment shone in a move in the second half, when he challenged a NorthEast player for the ball, fell to the ground and still went on to head the ball clear.
With Johnson and holding midfielder and captain Didier Zakora cutting down the threat in the centre, NorthEast made a few runs down the flanks. Their best chance came in the 32nd minute when Nicolas Velez, left unmarked, had a shot. But the Argentine headed wide.