Last season’s League Shield winners, Jamshedpur FC are finally off the mark with their first win of this Indian Super League season as they defeated wooden spooners NorthEast United. It was a very close encounter as both teams missed several chances. But it was Jamshedpur FC captain Peter Hartley who scored the solitary goal of the game to bring home their three points.
Jamshedpur FC head coach Aidy Boothroyd was very impressed with the win and was very grateful to the supporters for filling the stadium and supporting the Men of Steel through thick and thin.
After the match Boothroyd was satisfied as he shared how they are still in the top half of the table and it was a decent start for the Men of Steel this season. He also spoke about the game calling it a very physical encounter and was happy that they secured their first win.
“It was a good contest, a physical contest. For us, it’s a good win because it means we got three games and four points. That’s a respectable start, particularly against two teams that are amongst the top half of the league. In terms of this game, we knew it was going to be a tough game. They changed their system to playing a 5-4-1 which is difficult to break down, so the fact that we scored from a set play means that we deserved the win,” Boothroyd shared at the post match press conference.
After scoring the goal especially in the second half Jamshedpur FC looked a little relaxed as they sat back and waited for their opponent. They did the same thing against Odisha FC and now here again they did the same. Boothroyd clarifies how the team wants to play on the counter as they have fast players.
“I don’t think we are defending in all the matches. Today as well, we had a chance where we could’ve scored and taken the score-line to 2-0 and it’s game over. Sometimes we do look to play on the counter-attack as we have fast players. I think when it’s your first home game in a while and the support is amazing from the crowd, it’s important to win the game and we know we have to get better,” the Englishman explained.
Lastly the tactician was quizzed about the young players in this team who stole the limelight last season. But Boothroyd shared how the players need to more consistent and prove themselves. “Young players need a head coach who can believe in them. It’s different when the players perform well in the first season and get applauded a lot. So, we want them to be focused. I hope along the process, the young players will be more consistent and I’ll be really glad about that,” he signed off.
The Men of Steel will now look to continue their winning momentum in the league as they will travel to Fatorda Stadium to face FC Goa next on November 3.
