Prayag United SC returned to winning ways beating the national federation's youth side Pailan Arrows 2-1 in the 23rd round of the I-League here at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.
Prayag got a goal in each session from Ghanaian striker Yusuf Yakubu and midfielder Shylo Malswamtluanga. Arrows' only goal came from striker C.S. Sabeeth in the second half.
Prayag made its intentions clear from the beginning and found the lead in the fourth minute when Yakubu found the target after being set up by an assist from his Brazilian colleague Joshimar Da Silva.
Pragyag got more scoring opportunities but failed to build up on the advantage as both Joshimar and Yakubu failed to find the right finish. Arrows custodian Naveen Kumar also made a few good saves to keep the score-line unchanged in the first half.
Drawing level
As Prayag's attack continued to remain tentative in the striking zone, Arrows scored the equaliser in the 62nd minute. Sabeeth found the net off a fine cross from his midfield colleague Pritam Kotal.
But Arrows' joy was short-lived as Prayag found the winner in the 65th minute. Malswamtluanga timed his run to perfection, while reaching a cross from Yakubu, and slotted the ball home.
The win took Prayag's tally to 38 points from 23 matches, while Arrows continues to remain winless at the bottom of the table with eight points from 21 matches.
The result:
Prayag United SC 2 (Yakubu 4, Malswamtluanga 65) bt Pailan Arrows 1 (Sabeeth 62).
