Intro:

North East United made a winning start to their Indian Super League season on Monday with a 1-0 win over Sachin Tendulkar's Kerala Blasters.

Script:

A full house of 35,000 fans for North East United's first match of the new Indian Super League. Their marque signing World Cup winner Joan Capdevila welcomed that as did the rather well known co-owner of their opponents the Kerala Blasters.

SOUNDBITE (English) Sachin Tendulkar, co-owner, Kerala Blasters

"All of us should be more responsible in promoting sport, you know? Be it cricket, football, (field) hockey, badminton, whatever. But our nation needs to become a more sporty nation, which will have a positive impact on everyone's health."

Tendulkar's side thought they had taken the lead in the 16th minute but Iain Hume's effort was ruled offside.

Just after the half hour mark North East almost went in front in spectacular style, what about this strike from Durga Boro...

He was denied by a brilliant stop from former England goalkeeper David James.

But North East did go in front just before half time, Koke driving in the historic first goal.

That proved to be the only goal, although the away side will wonder how. Michael Chopra forced a save from Alexandros Tzorvas. And Iain Hume did all but score shortly after.

But it stayed 1-0, North East off to a winning start.