Durand Cup: Rohit Kumar Double Helps DSK Shivajians Overcome Gangtok Himalayan

DSK Shivajians registered a facile 2-1 win over Gangtok Himalayan SC in the 128th Durand Cup football at the Ambedkar Stadium on Wednesday.

A first-half double by LFC-DSK Academy graduate Rohit Kumar (5th and 44th minute) enabled DSK Shivajians to log full points. Gangtok Himalayan pulled one back via a penalty kick conversion by Jon Lepcha in the 78th minute.

The result took DSK Shivajians' points tally to six and earned the pole position in Group A.

Manager Dave Rogers began the game by making four changes to his playing XI that played in the first match. He brought in goalkeeper Sayak Barai, Shane McFaul, Gagandeep Singh, and Biaklan Paite.

The players omitted were Rakshit Dagar, Zohmingliana Ralte, Maan Singh and Juan Quero. The starting XI consisted of seven LFC-DSK Academy graduates.

The team also had a switch in skipper's role with Kim Song Yong bearing the captain's band. DSK Shivajians began at a frenetic pace. A couple of all out attacking runs pushed Gangtok Himalayan onto the backfoot. First, Paite fell short when Kim played him a through ball and then Gagandeep, running down the flank, earned the first corner-kick of the match, which led to the first strike.

Paite's delivery in the box from the corner was fumbled by goalkeeper Sukhwinder Singh, which led to a lurking Rohit pounce onto the opportunity and slot home (1-0). Two minutes later Paite had his try from close punched away by the keeper. At the other end, DSK Shivajians had a moment of worry in the 13th minute. John Kane, getting clear, ended up with his try going over. Midway through the half, DSK Shivajians lost Gagandeep after a challenge with an opponent left him with a limp. Four minutes later Gagandeep was substituted, and Surachandra Singh was brought in.

Gangtok Himalayan, with the one odd attack into the DSK Shivajians' half, hardly tested the defence. A rebound off the wall following a free-kick was poked gently by Surjit Singh into DSK keeper Sayak. A couple of bookings led to Sanjay Chettri (Gangtok) and Vanlalremkima (DSK Shivajians) receive yellow cards before DSK Shivajians launched themselves in attack once again through Arif Shaikh, only to have him breaching the off-side trap.

Gangtok's Karma Tsweang joined the referees' book after he brought down Surachandra. Two close moments followed inside the Gangtok Himalayan's box. Surachandra's stiff try had the goalkeeper tip the ball over and later, his cross was headed out by Arif. DSK Shivajians closed out the half with their second strike.

Paite, down the flank, delivered a low cross, which Arif stepped over leaving Rohit clear which he later finished with a low drive past the keeper (2-0).