Valskis, Jamshedpur hand ATKMB first defeat of season

Arjun SIngh / Sportzpics for ISL

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Goals from Nerijus Valskis' in either half helped Jamshedpur FC beat ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 to secure their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season. Roy Krishna grabbed a late consolation goal for ATKMB, but couldn't prevent the first defeat for Antonio Habas' side this season. It was also the first time ATKMB conceded a goal in this campaign and the result meant they remain second in the table, level on points with Mumbai City FC, but behind on goal difference. Jamshedpur, meanwhile, moved up to 7th with their first three points.

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Even though both Valskis goals came from set pieces, Jamshedpur were the better side for the majority of the game, and nearly took the lead in the 29th minute when Peter Hartley connected well to Aitor Monroy's corner, but the Englishman's header was cleared off the line by Pritam Kotal, which eventually was pushed for another corner. On the resultant corner, Valskis peeled his marker and scored with a powerful header.

Midfielder Alex de Lima and winger Jackichand Singh consistently found gaps in the ATKMB backline, which was uncharacteristically open on the night. Valskis, who had also scored a brace against Odisha in a thrilling draw last week, continued his excellent form in front of goal, and was a constant threat. Owen Coyle's side doubled the lead in the 66th minute from another corner as Aitor Monroy's cross was flicked by Mobashir Rahman, and Valskis pounced on the ball before smashing it into the roof of the net.

While ATKMB did threaten on the counter on occasion, they didn't really show any urgency until much late into the second half. They produced their best chances once Manvir Singh came on as a substitute for the last half an hour or so, the striker creating spaces on the left wing, capitalising on Jamshedpur's sluggishness in the closing stages. It was Manvir's aerial strength that produced the goal as Krishna got at the end of his header and went past the keeper to slide it into the net. Jamshedpur were furious with the goal, though, as Krishna appeared to have been standing in an offside position when the Manvir headed the ball into the box. 

Jamshedpur next face Robbie Fowler's East Bengal on December 10 while ATKMB go up against Hyderabad on December 11.

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