Knights XI oust Deccan `A’

PUNE, April 30: Knights XI halted Deccan XI `A's dream run, beating them 5-3 in aggregate to entered the final of the Anthony (Maharaj) M...

PUNE, April 30: Knights XI halted Deccan XI `A’s dream run, beating them 5-3 in aggregate to entered the final of the Anthony (Maharaj) Memorial football tournament, at the Military ground, Ghorpuri.

The issue was settled in the tie-breaker after being locked at 1-1 in 70 minutes of regular time. Both first-half goals in regular time came in similar fashion, starting with a flag kick from the right and ending inside the net from an attempt taken in the melee that ensued.

Switching flanks often, Deccan XI, had the rivals unsettled making inroads into the rival goal box initiated by key strikers Nilesh Natu, Rohit Ghag.

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However, Knights displayed their grit and courage playing to the hilt. Their forwards Christy Robert and Thomas Robert, backed by Micheal D’Cruz did their job well. The initial fifteen minutes saw plenty happening. Both teams received their share of opportunities but nothing converted.

Knights XI stormed into the lead in the 22nd minute. The move began with a flag kick taken by Suhas Wilson from the right flank. Landing in front of the goal, Michael D’Cruz took an unsuccessful tap at the goal and the deflection found the unguarded Christy Robert who curled the ball in, beating the outstretched keeper Joseph Thomas to his right.

Ten minutes later, a free kick taken by Christy from the top of the 18 yard box nearly got his team the second goal, the keeper Joseph doing well to punch the ball over the horizontal.

Deccan XI stung back on the reverse. Minutes later they almost had the equaliser. Rohit Ghag, taking a rasping head-on shot from close range, directed at the goalkeeper and the latter getting his hands to the ball just in time.

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Nevertheless, Deccan came on even terms in the last minute before the breather. Rohit Ghag’s flag kick from the right sailed in to drop in front of the goal and in the melee that ensued Mahesh Naik knocked home.

The second session was similar, Deccan maintaining the pressure and the occasional invasion from Knights. Nothing materialised in goals, the tie-breaker being introduced.

Knights XI succeeded in netting all four attempts via Suhas Wilson, Lalchand Parmar, Nitesh Naidu and Christy Robert. The losers found the net twice through Mahesh Naik and Sandesh Bhoite. Rohit Ghag sprayed wide while Anil Deshpande’s attempt was kept out by the keeper.

Knights XI clash with Indrayani SC in the final on May 2. Deccan XI `A’ lock horns with Range Hills on May 1 for minor placings.