Sreebhumi rout Gokulam Kerala, Garhwal beat Kickstart in IWL

Kalyani, Dec 24 (PTI) Captain Dangmei Grace struck a brace as Sreebhumi FC registered a resounding 4-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in an Indian Women's League match here on Wednesday.

Grace was the standout performer, scoring in the fourth and 59th minutes, while midfielder Rimpa Haldar added the third goal in the 66th minute before Anju Chanu rounded off the scoreline in the 77th minute.

The contest was effectively set in motion within the opening minutes, with Sreebhumi wasting no time in asserting themselves. Barely four minutes had elapsed when Grace opened the scoring, capitalising on a swift move down the right flank. Sibani Devi swung in an inviting cross, and the Sreebhumi captain rose above defender Kritina Devi to power a header into the net.

Stung by the early setback, Gokulam Kerala attempted to respond with greater urgency, but found space and time hard to come by.

Sreebhumi continued to look threatening, with Sibani Devi and Rimpa Haldar dictating proceedings from midfield.

The confidence gained from a strong first half translated seamlessly into the second. Sreebhumi resumed with renewed intensity and doubled their advantage in the 59th minute. Haldar slipped a precise through ball into the penalty area, and Grace timed her run perfectly to guide the ball home.

Gokulam's resistance faded further seven minutes later when Rimpa Haldar added a third. Picking up possession at the edge of the box, she showed composure to round goalkeeper Sowmiya N before rolling the ball into an empty net.

The rout was completed in the 77th minute. A cross from the left caused chaos inside the Gokulam box, with Sowmiya initially saving Sibani Devi's effort and Anju Tamang clearing off the line. The danger was not fully averted, however, as Anju Chanu reacted quickly to loft the ball over the goalkeeper into the net.

Garhwal United pip Kickstart ================== In Kolkata, Garhwal United earned their second win in as many matches, defeating Kickstart FC Karnataka 1-0.

Lhingdeikim (79th) scored the only goal of the match as newly promoted Garhwal United provisionally moved to the top of the table with six points from two matches -- two ahead of second-placed Nita Football Academy. PTI SSC SSC ATK