ISL 2015: FC Pune City 3-2 Kerala Blasters - 5 Talking Points
FC Pune City saw off a fighting Kerala Blasters 3-2 in a thoroughly entertaining clash that witnessed as many as 4 headed goals, including the fastest goal of ISL season 2. Kalu Uche and Mohammed Rafi both scored braces for Pune and Kerala respectively, but it was Tuncay Sanli who eventually won the game for FC Pune City with a textbook header from a Nickey Shorey cross.The win sends FC Pune City to the top of the standings with 12 points while Kerala Blasters remain at the foot of the table with just 4 points. Here are the major talking points from match number 22 of the Hero Indian Super League 2015 held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune.
#1 Magical display from Nickey Shorey
Nickey Shorey produced a stunning display from left back, playing a major part in all three goals for FC Pune City. The former Aston Villa and Reading player grabbed 3 assists and unsurprisingly took home the ‘Hero of the match’ award.
For the first goal, Shorey put in a delightful ball in, finding striker Kalu Uche after Mohammed Rafi found the back of the net in similar fashion at the other end. His second assist took some tidy footwork to go past the scrambling Rahul Bheke and Mehtab Hossain serving Uche for the second time with a cut-back cross.
The hat-trick of assists came in the 72nd minute when the Englishman floated in another beautiful cross for Tuncay Sanli who was happy to do the honours, scoring his third goal of the ISL.
Shorey, who has immense experience of playing in the English top flight, was a composed figure when in possession, guarded the flanks well and was consistent throughout the 90 minutes.