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ISL 2017/18: Subrata Paul becomes first goalkeeper to keep 20 clean sheets in Indian Super League

Subrata Paul (Photo: ISL)
Subrata Paul (Photo: ISL)

India's star goalkeeper Subrata Paul etched his name in the ISL history books after his side Jamshedpur FC snatched a 1-0 victory against NorthEast United FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, on Saturday night.

Subrata has been on fine form this season, and it is due to his efforts, coupled with a tight defence, that has led Jamshedpur to be the side that has conceded the least number of goals, so far this season -- 12.

The Men of Steel showed their resilience yet again, as they thwarted wave after wave of NorthEast attacks, with Subrata coming up with the heroics once again. The veteran custodian made a total of four saves, five catches, and four punches in the match.

This clean sheet means that Subrata is now the first goalkeeper in the history of the ISL to have kept 20 clean sheets across all seasons. As many as seven of these 20 have come this season, with debutants Jamshedpur FC.

With his tally being as high as 20, Subrata is far ahead of the rest of the pack. Incidentally, NEUFC keeper TP Rehenesh is joint second on this list, along with Apoula Edel, who had played for both Atletico de Kolkata (now ATK) and Chennaiyin FC. Both these custodians are far behind Subrata, with 11 clean sheets to their names.

Jamshedpur's victory over NEUFC took them one step closer to ensuring qualification for the semifinal playoff spots in the ISL, which can only be achieved by finishing in the top four spots.

The Jamshedpur's winning goal was scored by new signing Wellington Priori, who did brilliantly to latch on to a lofted ball and fire a back-volley past a befuddled Rehenesh, who could only watch on in dismay.

This win takes Steve Coppell's side up to the third spot on the table on 25 points from 15 games. However, their big disadvantage is that both FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC, who are second and fourth respectively, have played fewer games.

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