26th November, Sri Bhaini Sahib: Sreenidi Deccan Football Club scored two first half goals to defeat Namdhari Football Club 2-0 in a Matchweek 7 I-League clash here at the Namdhari Football Stadium on Sunday. David Castaneda and Jagdeep Singh were the goalscorers on a day where the Deccan Warriors went atop the I-League standings with a superior goal difference to Mohammedan SC.

As expected, Sreenidi Deccan FC started on the front foot, dominating possession in the opening stages of the game. The first chance fell to midfielder Lalromawia but his effort from Rosenberg Gabriel’s cross went over the bar. Gabriel was at the heart of another Sreenidi Deccan attack and his cut-back from the right found Castaneda who made no mistake from close range.

A couple of minutes later, Lalromawia chased down a ball into the Namdhari box and although his pass was initially dealt with, the loose ball fell to right-back Jagdeep Singh who smashed it into the top corner from 25 yards out. This quickfire double gave Sreenidi Deccan a good cushion for the remainder of the half as Namdhari failed to test Albino Gomes in goal.

The second half was a tighter affair as the Deccan Warriors opted to protect their lead rather than look for another goal. That allowed Namdhari to push forward but their final pass was lacking and it did not result in clear cut opportunities. To add to their woes, defender Sukhandeep Singh was sent off for two bookable offences and the home side never recovered.

Sreenidi Deccan FC will next face Mohammedan SC in a top of the table I-League clash at the Naihati Stadium in West Bengal on December 3.