ISL 2015: Robin Singh stars on debut as Delhi Dynamos beat Pune City 2-1

Pune: Robin Singh and Jackichand Singh both went straight into the thick of action after returning from India duty, but it was the former who took home the plaudits after scoring one and setting up another in Delhi Dynamos’ 2-1 win over FC Pune City at the Balewadi stadium. The striker thumped in a header from a Florent Malouda corner in the 24th minute, after which Delhi held their shape and defended bravely to thwart the shot-shy Pune forwards. [caption id=“attachment_2468874” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Robin Singh scored on his Delhi Dynamos debut. ISL[/caption] A helter-skelter added time saw both teams score within seconds of each other, with Robin ending a fine run with a layoff for Richard Gadze, who just had to tap it in. Moments later, Rs 1.05 crore-man Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who was also back from India duty, lay up Nigerian striker Kalu Uche for a header. The first goal was a silly one to concede for Pune, after a confusion between their centre backs Diego Colotto and Gouramangi Singh to clear the ball ended with the Argentine playing it out – his safest bet in the situation. Roberto Carlos, who put his team through multiple corner drills on the eve of the match, saw his training pay off as Malouda sent in an inch-perfect cross for Robin to head in, unmarked. Jackichand was the home team’s best player, cutting in from the left and creating multiple chances with his runs to the byline, but Delhi’s Anas Edathodika and John Arne Riise got stuck in, to make it two wins out of the last two for Roberto Carlos’side. David Platt threw in Tuncay Sanli, Didier Zokora and Lyngdoh in the second half as Pune lacked any creativity apart from Jackichand – but despite dominating the second half, he saw his side end without any points at the final whistle. Pune City produced 10 attempts at goal which included a superb volley from Jackichand, a glanced Kalu Uche header, an acrobatic Tuncay attempt and multiple inroads from both wings – but Delhi held on firm in a show of tremendous grit. At the other end, Delhi had four shots on target, but failed to get their best player Gustavo dos Santos into the play. Most of the game was played in midfield with Hans Mulder and Chicao winning most of the physical battles. Malouda said after the match that the side knew Pune were a very good side and it was very important to defend well – just like Carlos had asked them to before the game. The result makes Atletico de Kolkata’s visit to Pune on 17 October incredibly important, with the defending champions a point ahead of the Stallions, who are still second due to goal difference.