ISL: Keane goal powers ATK to 1-0 win over Delhi Dynamos

An 87th minute winner from Irish World Cupper Robbie Keane powered defending champion ATK to a 1-0 win over Delhi Dynamos at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

ATK's Robbie Keane reacts after scoring against Delhi Dynamos on Saturday.

A spark of brilliance from Irish World Cupper Robbie Keane brightened up an insipid exchange as host and defending champion ATK got the better of visiting Delhi Dynamos in an Indian Super League fixture here at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

Keane, making his second start for the side in overall three appearances for the host, figured out the route for the goal with a fine half-turn inside the Dynamos box. Despite being well guarded Keane, released by a header from substitute Bipin Singh, wrong-footed his markers and the opposition goalkeeper, Arnab Das Sarma, to find the far corner of the goal.

MATCH CENTRE

Looking to end its losing streak, Delhi Dynamos put up a good fight and matched the host in all departments but was forced to its fifth straight defeat as the 37-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur striker in the host’s ranks produced a spectacular finishing. This was the second straight win for ATK which bettered its tally to eight points from six matches. Dynamos remain at the bottom of the standings with three points.

ATK made a fairly good start and could well have nudged ahead in the fifth minute when Jayesh Rane came very close to scoring the opening goal. The winger, making his first start for the side, was fed by Keane with a cross inside the box but the former headed wide.

Dynamos had a good chance to break out in the 28th minute when midfielder Romeo Fernandes did a fine job inside the ATK penalty box, but his attempt was deflected off an ATK defender and sailed over the crossbar.

The host had the best chance to take the lead in the 40th minute when Keane played a dummy to set an onrushing Zequinha, who was free in the Dynamos box. Having the opposition goalkeeper at his mercy, the ATK winger saw his attempt go wide.

As Delhi tried to slow down the game after the break, ATK failed to find the right moves that could threaten the opposition defence. The side came close to scoring in the 51st minute when Rane forwarded a nice ball for Keane, who forced a fine save from the Dynamos goalkeeper.

Keane, however, did not repeat the mistake on the second opportunity coming his way in the 78th minute, when he produced the decisive finish to give ATK its second win if the season.