Kerala Blasters escaped with a goalless draw after being reduced to 10 men in the 30th minute against NorthEast United in the ISL in Kochi on Saturday.

Defender Aiban Dohling received a straight red card for a headbutt on NorthEast forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Aiban had received a red card two rounds ago against Punjab FC. The AIFF disciplinary committee later rescinded the card.

The Blasters had to remain focused since the red card, and have climbed to the eighth position on 21 points from 17 matches. Blasters goalkeeper, Sachin Suresh, celebrating his 24th birthday today, survived a few nervous moments but ended with a clean sheet. He made a smart reflex save in the first half from a powerful Ajaraie drive.

Noah Sadaoui was the Blasters' best attacking outlet until Aiban's red card. The Blasters' best chance came right at the end of the first half when captain Adrian Luna fired a direct freekick on target, but it was saved.

The Blasters had sought a hat-trick of wins in the league for the first time. New signing Dusan Lagator had started on the bench and came on for the last five minutes.

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