ISL: ATK beat NorthEast to end campaign on a high

ATK ended their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on a high with a 1-0 win over rock-bottom NorthEast United FC in an inconsequential game here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.

Marquee forward Robbie Keane, who was also the player-manager for the game after interim boss Ashley Westwood stepped down, scored the only goal of the match in the 10th minute, turning in a Conor Thomas long ball with delicate ease.

The result saw the home team, who have only won thrice this season, finish engagements with 16 points. NorthEast, meanwhile, remained at the foot of the ten-team table with just 11 points to show for.

After Keane's goal early on, the visitors came closest to drawing parity when John Mosquera was denied by ATk keeper Soram Poirei in the 26th minute.

After change of ends, ATK's South African midfielder Sibongakonke Mbatha saw his effort come off the woodwork as Porei made a few good saves at the other end to keep the Highlanders at bay.

Both teams will now look to made amends for a poor ISL campaign in the Super Cup where they will have to play the qualifiers.

--IANS

dm/ajb/nir