ISL 3: Javier Lara strike seals it for Kolkata

Kerala Blasters’ Antonio German (centre) and Prabir Das of Atletico de Kolkata vie for the ball in their ISL-3 match in Kochi on Wednesday. ATK won 1-0.

Sometimes a wholehearted performance is not enough to save the day as it was with Kerala Blasters in their first home game of the season, losing 0-1 to former cha-mpions Atletico Kolkata here on Wednesday.

A deflected strike from Javier Lara in the 53rd minute dashed Kerala’s hope of resurgence from a sterile season-opener in Guwahati. Despite their significant improvement in attack, the hosts could not break down a robust Kolkata defense.

Strange as it may sound, Steve Coppell had a clear case to plead even before kick-off. Already struggling in the left-back department without a specialist in the role, the Blasters had to reluctantly let go Aaron Hughes, their marquee and, coincidentally the only available right-back in the squad, for national duty.

Hughes was called up for Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, as a replacement for injured Watford defender Craig Cathcart on the eve of the match. That forced Coppell to start Pratik Chaudhary on the right and, attacking midfielder Josu on the left, on his two centre-backs.

Expectedly, Kerala lived on the edge from the start and had a huge letoff when Chaudhary made a timely block to deny Helder Postiga from Ian Hume’s pull back. The warning bells were rung but as if hidden powers were conspiring in their favour, Kerala felt relieved to see Postiga walk off the field injured, in the 16th minute.

It was evident, unlike in Guwahati, Kerala had a clear plan going forward, even though they continued to struggle defensively. However, dealing with crosses proved to be their Achilles heel and twice they went whistling wide.

The goal eventually arrived, silencing the home support. A wicked deflection off Sandeep Jhingan from Lara’s low drive found the net with Stack stranded.