Youngsters, Youth Club struggle

Resultant, the organisers are forced to curtail `valuable’ playing time, which can make a difference between winning and losing, which hopefully the teams should realise in future. Today too, the first tie began an hour late.

Sangam Young Boys (I-Div) and SRPF Gr-I (III-Div) were involved in a rough encounter, giving one an impression of a game comprising novices.

Sangam never seemed like a I-Div outfit, with the kind of soccer they dished out. Kiran Sawant put them ahead in the 29th minute with a successful attempt from long range.

The second-half was no different with aggression dominating over fair style of play. Sangam held on to their one goal lead till the 59th minute, but seconds before the final whistle Dhanraj Ghogre equalized for SRPF, turning 180 degrees to find the net with a well directed shot.

The resultant tie-breaker failed to produce a result. The tie however was settled in sudden death in SRPF’s favour. Vinod Pillay, Ravi Thorat, James Bernard and Shahid Shaikh scored for the winners, while only Raju Nikam, Mani and Sunil managed to score for the losers.

The decider was scored in the 52nd minute of the second sessions. Savio D’Silva running down the left flank dribbled past Vijay and floated the ball accurately to the unmarked Ray Tucker at the goalmouth who headed the ball in neatly. Had Youth Sports Club, Khadakwasla, lost to Khadki Blues in the last fixture of the day they would have had nobody but themselves to blame.

Although they got one past the rival goalkeeper the scoreboard could have easily read four goals in their favour. Flavian Richards and Vinod Kanojia could have increased the tally had they excelled in trapping the ball. However, just when it looked like yet another tie-breaker would decide their fate, Prashant Ghadge put in the winner with a slanting scissors-kick leaving custodian Pappu Sandhu bewildered.

Today’s Matches (Q/F’s)
2.30 p.m — Phoenix S.C vs Ghorpuri Young Ones; 4.00 p.m — City Club vs Parshuramians.