Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra returned to winning ways in the Bangladesh Premier League with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Soccer Club Feni at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The reigning champions had to wait till the 78th minute to get their first goal, a header from Shakil Ahmed, before Moroccan forward Youness Roux doubled the lead just a minute before the estimated time. Mithun Chowdhury put an impressive display setting up both the goals for Russell.
Soccer Club, who held Abahani Limited to a draw in their previous match, continued with their defensive strategy and were successful in resisting the Russell attackers most of the time. Russell for their part, were desperate to salvage three points after a shocking defeat to Brothers Union in the last game, whichended their 8-match unbeaten streak in the league.
Last-year’s treble winners kicked off the game brightly and dominated their opponents throughout the match but struggled to find hole in the Feni defence. Feni meanwhile, mostly relied on counter attacks but were unable to find many attacking options. They started the game without the service of goalkeeper Md Nehal and midfielder Motiur Rahman Rintu due to injury.
Russell initiated the first attack a minute into the game. A through pass from Mithun allowed Youness Roux into the left of the penalty area but the Moroccan shot straight to the keeper.Four minutes later, Russell had another attack. Youness Roux even sent the ball into the net after a cross from Mithun but the goal was disallowed as the linesman raised the flag for offside.
Roux had another shot on target in the 25th minute but his effort from outside the six-yard box was saved by Uzzal. Robin passed the rebound to Mithun, whose shot was blocked by Feni defender Liton. Roux wasted another chance ten minutes later as well.
In the 70th minute, Youness Roux provided a low cross for substitute midfielder Sabuj Kumar Biswas but Reza cleared it for a corner. Sheikh Russell finally broke through the Feni defence in the 78th minute. Unmarked national midfielder Shakil Ahmed ran forward to meet Mithun Chowdhury’s cross from the right and headed the ball into the open net at the near post.
Feni came out from their defensive shell and went all out for an equalizer. Russell took advantage of the change and extended the lead in the 89th minute. National forward Mithun Chowdhury was the architect of the goal once again. Receiving the ball from Sabuj Kumar, Mithun run down the right flank before sliding the ball into the path of Youness Roux, who made no mistake in smashing it home from close range.
With the result, Russell moved to the top of the tablewith nine points from four matches, one more than Sheikh Jamal. Feni remained at the bottom with just one point.
Match Highlights
Soccer Club Feni 0-2 Sheikh Russell
1” Mithun’s through ball is met by Youness Roux left of the penalty area but his shot goes straight to the keeper.
25” Roux’s shot from outside the six-yard box is fended off by Uzzal. Robin passes the rebound to Mithun andhis shot is blocked by Feni defender Liton.
70” Youness Roux provides a low cross for substitute midfielder Sabuj Kumar Biswas but Reza cleares it for a corner.
GOAL! 78” Russell finally break past the Feni defence as unmarked national midfielder Shakil Ahmed heads in a pin-pointe cross from Mithun from the right flank.
GOAL! 89” Mithun slides the ball into Youness Roux’s path and the Moroccan striker smashes the ball into the net.