Kerala Blasters goalkeeper David James is pleased with his team’s performance despite losing 1-0 to NorthEast United FC in their first game of the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati last night.
A 45th minute strike by Spaniard Koke put the Highlanders in the lead in the closing seconds of the first half. Despite dominating possession throughout and creating a couple of close chances for an equaliser, the Sachin Tendulkar-owned outfit could not move past the North Eastern club’s shot stopper Alexandros Tzorvas, as Ricki Herbert’s side bagged their first three points in the tournament.
And James, who also manages the Kerala outfit, was disappointed with the result but insisted that he was impressed with the way the players performed.
“It’s frustrating. I think we were the better team, for most part of the game, and had some good chances. But one mistake, one lapse of concentration, and NorthEast scored a goal”, the former English international was quoted as saying by ISL’s official website.
“We haven’t played against anyone from the ISL in preseason so it’s hard to gauge how good the sides were.
“But I’m pleased with the way the team performed today. Sad for the loss but happy for the performance of my team”, the Liverpool legend added.
Kerala Blasters, who will head back to Kochi for a few days of training, will be hoping to open their account in the league table when they travel to Chennai for their game against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on 21st October.
