M.F. Phalguni of North East United FC scored the one purpose towards Indian Army FC.| Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Phalguni Singh's second half purpose was sufficient for ISL aspect Northeast United FC to beat a spirited Indian Army FC 1-0 within the first quarterfinal of the Durand Cup right here on Thursday.

Phalguni Singh scored within the 51st minute.

Indian Army head coach L. Anthony Ramesh made two modifications to the beginning lineup with captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri again after suspension in purpose and Liton Shil within the place of Alwin E.

Northeast's Juan Pedro Benali made 5 modifications to his beginning XI with Soraisham Dinesh Singh, Gaurav Bora, Gani Ahmed Nigam, Redeem Tlang and Konsam Phalguni Singh coming in.

Northeast United settled down rapidly and managed possession in the course of the pitch. Indian Army had been sticking to their plan of defending with numbers and attacking within the counter assaults.

Liton Shil examined NEUFC keeper Mirshad with a protracted vary effort and minutes later he mixed with Rahul Ramakrishnan however the latter's effort whisked previous the put up.

NEUFC dominated the subsequent exchanges and troubled the Army defence. Ibson Melo arrange French midfielder Romain Philippoteaux contained in the field and his roller got here again off the crossbar.

Rochharzela had a golden alternative to present NEUFC the lead however the ahead lashed his effort over the crossbar. Indian Army began to press excessive up the sector forcing errors out of NEUFC and began to play some attacking soccer.

Liton Shil confirmed some glorious expertise to dodge two defenders contained in the field however his shot was saved by Mirshad. Samir Murmu had an opportunity to present the Army males the lead in first half harm time as Christopher Kamei discovered the ahead free however his aspect footed effort went large as each groups went into the break goalless.

Juan Pedro launched Manvir Singh and Nestor Roger within the second half and so they arrange the successful purpose. Nestor's exact cross arrange Manvir, who deftly assisted Phalguni to attain, securing the lead for NEUFC.

Indian Army elevated the depth making an attempt to come back again into the sport however had been missing within the closing third of the pitch.

At the opposite finish, second half substitutes Jithin MS and Manvir made some good runs on the wings. Army pushed laborious within the closing minutes to seek out the equaliser because the coach introduced on recent legs to inject extra tempo.

They piled the stress on the NEUFC defence however the Highlanders soaked the whole lot to maintain their one purpose lead intact and qualify for the semifinals.