I-League: Neroca nullify Arrows with Subash's double strike

Neroca FC moved to the second place in the I-League standings after registering a dominant 2-1 win over the Indian Arrows at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Friday, here.

A first-half brace by Singam Subash Singh helped Neroca outplay a young Indian Arrows side for the majority of the game.

The only goal for the Arrows was netted by Abhijit Sarkar in the last minutes of the game.

Nigerian striker Felix Chidi led the line for the home side, with Akhlidin Israilov tasked with conducting play as an attacking midfielder while seasoned striker Singam Subash Singh started the game on the left wing.

Felix Chidi was at the forefront of most of Neroca's forays forward. The Nigerian striker, at the half-hour mark, attempted an audacious overhead kick on Yumnam Singh's cross from the right. He failed to connect properly and Prabshukhan heaved a sigh of relief.

Neroca's efforts paid off in the 39th minute. Akhlidin Israilov released a well-weighted through-ball into the path of Singam Subash Singh who chipped Prabshukhan with aplomb.

Subash doubled his tally at the stroke of half-time with another confident finish and this time, it was Felix Chidi who turned provider. Chidi split the Arrows defence and the Manipur-born forward slotted the ball into the net to end the half with a two-goal lead for Neroca.

With this win, Neroca FC leapfrogged Minerva Punjab FC to the second spot with 14 points from 7 matches whereas Indian Arrows stay at the seventh position with as many points having played one match more.

Indian Arrows will now square off against Shillong Lajong on January 8 and Neroca FC will travel to Coimbatore to clash the swords with Chennai City FC one day later.