ISL 2020-21: Late Krishna strike helps ATKMB regain top spot

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:09 am

Roy Krishna scores for ATK Mohun Bagan against Jamshedpur FC.
Roy Krishna scores for ATK Mohun Bagan against Jamshedpur FC.
Deepak Malik/Sportzpics for ISL

Roy Krishna once again proved crucial for ATK Mohun Bagan as Antonio Habas' side edged Jamshedpur FC 1-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday.

The win propelled ATKMB back to the top of the ISL table and into the playoffs. Mumbai City FC, who ATKMB displaced at the top by two points, have a game in hand, though. The result also meant that Jamshedpur's chances of making the playoffs are all but over.

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The first half was a cagey affair with both teams adopting a rather cautious approach.

ATKMB soon took the upper hand, though. They had a penalty shout as early as the seventh minute when Krishna went down in the box, under pressure from Peter Hartley, after being fed by David Williams. However, the referee ruled otherwise.

There were a few chances in the opening half-hour with Marcelinho going closest in the 28th minute when he crashed a shot against the side netting. ATKMB had another good opportunity soon after when Sandesh Jhingan's quick free-kick found Williams. His low shot was expertly diverted by Jamshedpur keeper TP Rehenesh. Jhingan had an opportunity off a corner at the stroke of halftime but he missed his chance to head the ball in.

The second half continued in the same vein though Jamshedpur coach Owen Coyle tried a more attacking approach with the introduction of Nerijus Valskis. However, with an hour gone, Jamshedpur were yet to register a shot on target - it was clear that their intention was to sit back and defend.

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Meanwhile, ATKMB kept on fashioning opportunities at the other end. Rehenesh was called twice into action in quick succession, both times to fend off Krishna. First, he forced a save from Rehenesh after being fed by Marcelinho. Then, a rather hopeful shot from the flanks by the Fijian was gathered easily by the Jamshedpur keeper.

But Krishna was not to be denied for long. His goal came right after ATKMB keeper Arindam Bhattacharja acrobatically kept out a header from Valskis that looked to be going in. As has been the case with a lot of Krishna goals, Williams created it. After receiving the ball from the Australian, Krishna found the right-hand corner of the goal, past a diving Rehenesh, with a perfect finish.