ISL 2015: Dominant Kerala Blasters fight back to secure 1-1 draw with Chennaiyin FC

Chris Dagnall's goal helped Kerala Blasters take home a deserved point

Bottom-placed Kerala Blasters squared off against Marco Materazzi’s men in what was the Sachin Tendulkar owned side’s first game since the departure of manager Peter Taylor. Fellow Englishman Trevor Morgan took charge of the side and the positives were there right from the start.

The men in yellow began the game with a positive approach with the likes of Rahul Bheke and Saumik Dey creating chances down the wings. They dominated proceedings right from the start and came close to scoring as early as the 9th minute. Good defending by Mehrajuddin Wadoo prevented his side from falling back early on. A better attempt was needed from Watt but Wadoo thwarted him well.

Former Indian international Mehtab Hossain, who is often believed to be Trevor Morgan’s favourite player, having played for him at East Bengal, was marshalling the midfield really well. He provided balls down the flank to both Dey and Bheke. While Kerala looked to be in control of the game, much against the run of play, Chennaiyin scored.

Defender Sandhesh Jhingan brought down Mendoza in the box and former Manchester City man, Elano calmly stepped up to score the goal. Kerala had problems defending a freekick just before the penalty and that in a way led to the penalty.

Post the goal, Chennai began to impose themselves in the game. Mendoza made some threatening runs ahead but was let down by Elano’s poor control at times. Just before the half-time whistle, Kerala came close to scoring only for Karanjit Singh to deny former Atletico man Md. Rafi.

Early second half goal helps Blasters get level

However, Morgan’s men came out all guns blazing in the second half. Right from kick-off, a cross from the left by Saumik Dey was calmly converted by Chris Dagnall, who finally claimed his hundredth career goal.

Within a few minutes, the Blasters once again hit Chennaiyan FC on the break. Some poor control by Thoi Singh led to Kerala getting the ball and a foul by Mailson on Ramage earned the home team a penalty. Unfortunately for the Kerala fans, Josue could not emulate Elano. His penalty was saved heroically by Karanjit Singh in what was the first of a series of saves.

Morgan’s men earned a free-kick which was once again saved by Karanjit. A free-kick from the left was met by Dagnall’s head but Singh was there doing his job.

By now, Kerala Blasters were in complete control of the game. They had possession of the ball and were looking comfortable. But then an encore of the first half happened. To everyone's surprise, Kerala saw themselves reduced to 10 men. Perone was given a straight red card for a kick on Mendoza’s face in the 75th minute. Prior to that, there were chances for both Rafi and Dagnall and both failed to convert.

Going down to ten men did not deter the home side. They continued to dominate but failed to create any clearcut chances. Chennaiyin did get a free-kick but Elano failed to test Bywater in the opposition goal. Apart from the goal, Elano did not have a great night and was eventually substituted in the 88th minute.

The game ended 1-1 but both teams will have positives to take from the game. Materazzi will surely be happy with a point, considering his team were outplayed on the night. On the other hand, Morgan will take a point considering his men were low on confidence and were also a man down. However, a long struggle lies ahead for Kerala if they are to qualify for the semi-finals.