I-League: Real Kashmir beat Aizawl FC 2-0

KOLKATA: Aizawl slumped to their second consecutive defeat in the I-League on Saturday as Real Kashmir beat the former champions 2-0 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl. It was also the first time that the team from the northeast was beaten in their backyard in this season of the I-League.
Having lost their last match against TRAU FC, Stanley Rozario's men were under pressure to turn things around.But the Snow Leopards, playing in the I-League for only the second season, got the better of the People's Club thanks to a good show by the duo of Kallum Higginbotham and Mason Robertson.
Higginbotham scored the opener following a brilliant ball from Robertson in the 16th minute. Robertson then wrapped up the game for the visitors when he scored the second in the 82nd minute.
As for the hosts, they had their chances but poor finishing and some good goalkeeping by Real Kashmir custodian Phurba Lachenpa meant that they were unable to find the back of the net.
Following this loss Aizawl are at the 10th place with eight points from nine matches. They have won one, drawn five and lost three. Real Kasmir are fifth on the table with 12 points from eight games. They have won three, drawn three and lost two.
Speaking after the match Rozario was obviously disappointed but he heaped a lot of praised on his opponents. "Real Kashmir defended really well while we lacked communication among our defenders and that resulted in the first goal. It should have easily cleared but that didn't happen," said the coach.
He, however, believes that with a little more time the team will be able to perform better. "The two foreigners, Justice Morgan and Matias Veron, have joined recently so they need to grow some understanding with the local players. It will take some time and I am hopeful that things will fall in place after that. Also we need to increase our team spirit," said Rozario.
On the other hand, Real Kashmir coach David Robertson was more than happy with the performance and credited his players for showing fighting spirit. "It wasn't an easy match. We knew it will be difficult and the players did really well to earn the victory," said the coach.