Pune FC maintained their unbeaten home run and logged a stunning 1-0 win over Salgaocar FC in an I-League Round 15 encounter at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi on Tuesday.

Playmaker Ryuji Sueoka scored the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute which handed Pune FC their first win in four games since February.

The win was also Pune FC’s fifth of the campaign and took their tally to 20 points as they stay in the 4th position. Moreover, the first victory over Salgaocar in four matches this season was also Pune FC’s first at home over the Goans after three years.

Going into the game, Pune FC Coach Karim Bencherifa made two changes handing starts to Arata Izumi and Mumtaz Akhtar while newly promoted Under-19 player Myron Mendes started on the bench.

The game began with visitors Salgaocar FC dominating proceedings early on. Nonetheless, having soaked pressure, Pune FC settled in and began pushing forward.

It was in the 10th minute that Pune FC first went close. Arata set on a solo run down the left and floated in a cross to striker Darko Nikac whom managed to get a connection on a high ball but Salgaocar keeper Karanjit Singh managed to parry it away.

At the other end, Salgaocar relied heavily on Douhou Pierre for the creativity upfront but the ex-Pune FC man was marked out well and kept at bay.

In the 26th minute, Pune FC had a close moment. Salgaocar striker Daryll Duffy was sent clear on a counter attack and had just an advanced keeper Amrinder Singh to beat. However, the custodian kept his calm and made a good block outside the box.

A minute later, Pune FC went close at the other end. Lalrempuia Fanai got into the clear on the right, created space and took a crack from an acute angle. It was once again the keeper who kept Salgaocar in the game with a neat save.

Both sides had a few more chances in the last fifteen minutes but went into the breather tied at goalless.

The second half began in a dramatic fashion. While both sides came out with the intent to find the opener, it was Salgaocar who went close first. Douhou who beat the offside trap was denied by the woodwork after his attempt from 5-yards came had beaten Amrinder in the 50th minute.

At the other end, Darko and Thongkhosiem Haokip too had a couple of chances but lacked the finish in final third.

Nonetheless, Pune FC almost got the opener in the 57th minute. Sueoka sent Darko through on the right and the striker fired in a low shot which was somehow parried away by Karanjit in the rival goal.

There was a controversial moment in the 60th minute of the match when Karanjit handled the ball outside the box. However, referee R. Venkatesh only produced a yellow as the hosts protested for a sending off.

Five minutes later, Pune FC went close once again. This time, Mathew Gonsalves perfect cross from the right was met by Darko but the header sailed inches wide at the far post.

Moments later, Pune FC survived once again as Duffy’s attempt on a counter too came off the woodwork after the lob had beaten an advanced Amrinder.

Pune FC’s persistence finally paid off as they took the lead in the 83rd minute. Darko with a great solo run down the left cut back for Sueoka inside the box and the Japanese hammered home from close range for his seventh goal of the season.

Salgaocar tried to push up in the final minutes of the game, but Pune FC held on for a well deserved win.