Pune FC Under-17s ended their campaign in the 2015 DSK Cup with a hard fought 1-5 defeat to Gangtok Himalayan SC in their final Group C encounter at the DSK Football Field in Loni on Sunday.
Playing their second game in as many days, Pune FC began on the offensive and created a few chances in the opening quarter. However, the youngsters fell short in the final third as Gangtok capitalised on the half chances that fell their way.
Gangtok opened scoring in the 29th minute through Shansha who lobbed over an advanced Shainkhan in the Pune FC goal on a breakaway move. The Sikkim-based side then doubled their lead through Rakesh Masih (39th) before Sudesh S. made it 3-0 in the 41st minute.
Pune FC managed to pull a goal back through winger Pawan Pratap in the 44th minute to go into the breather on a positive note.
The second half began with Pune FC dominating proceedings early on. Close chances fell for Pawan and medio Muirang W. While Pawan was denied by the Gangtok custodian on a long range attempt, Muirang was a bit unlucky with his long range freekick beating the keeper but coming off the woodwork.
As Pune FC pushed ahead in search of goals, Gangtok utilised the counter-attacks well and scored twice through striker Nima (56th & 90+1st) to seal a 5-1 win.
