Pune FC Under-17 registered their second consecutive win hammering Giantz FC 8-0 in a second round clash of the Ashok Vanjari Memorial Cup at the DSK Football Field in Loni on Saturday.
In a one sided affair, striker Lalawmpuia (18th, 25th, 27th 35th and 40th minute) scored five while playmaker Omega Vanlalhruaitluanga (14th, 33rd and 69th) netted a hattrick to send Pune FC into the third round.
On a rain soaked evening, Pune FC created a few close chances early on, before finally breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute. Omega latched on to a through pass from Muirang Wungngayam and rounded off the keeper before slotting home from close.
Four minutes later, in-form striker Lalawmpuia doubled the lead with a great solo goal after a breakaway move from the right. The youngster struck twice again in the following ten minutes – first from a through pass from Muirang and then on an assist from Omega – to complete his second hattrick in as many games.
Towards the end of the first half, Pune FC made it 5-0 when Omega completed his brace. The playmaker scored a brilliant solo goal in the 33rd minute having dispossessed an opponent on the halfline.
Two minutes later, Lalawmpuia found the net once again to take his tally to four. After timing his run to perfection and beating the offside trap, he scored past the helpless Giantz FC custodian after some good footwork as Pune FC went into the breather leading 6-0.
The second half was a similar story as Pune FC continued to push up in search of more goals. While the opponents tried to keep their shape, Pune FC’s quick one-touch passing tormented the defenders and opened up space quite often.
Five minutes in, Pune FC struck for the seventh time when Lalawmpuia managed to flick winger Sachin K’s ball past the Giantz FC goalkeeper. The goal was Lalawmpuia’s fifth of the match and eight in the competition so far.
Despite completely dominating proceedings thereafter, Pune FC had to wait right until the end to get their eighth goal. Lalawmpuia beat a couple of defenders on the right but his low attempt was saved by the keeper. The rebound however fell for Omega who struck home from close to complete his hattrick and seal a handsome win.
