Drama aplenty, goals scanty

MUMBAI: It was a match-up between two teams who finished one after the other in the first phase of the H2K MDFA League. At stake were three points which would have given either of the teams an early advantage in their endeavour to qualify for Division II of the National Football League. There was loads of drama and theatrics.

There were relentless efforts from both the concerned parties but none was prepared to give the other even a hair’s breadth. End Result? A goalless draw with little to choose between the two teams.

The match started on a sedate note with both the teams playing defensively. The defenders on either side were rock solid and the forwards failed to make a dent no matter how hard they tried. The 0-0 scoreline at the break was ample testimony to the fact as to what the teams concentrated upon.

The second half, as has been the norm this season in the MDFA elite division, witnessed a change of pace, and consequently, more attacks made by both the sides. Golden Gunners, in particular, made a series of efforts. Two freekicks went over the bar and the opposite custodian brilliantly saved a Manoj Adhikari sledgehammer. Western Railway missed a golden opportunity when Gurunath Reddy hit the ball over the net with only the goalkeeper to beat.

There was plenty of drama in store as well. Watching the players ‘play-acting’ one wondered whether they were more interested in trying their luck in tinseltown. One instance saw a Railway player quietly taking a yellow card and showing it to the referee.

The referee retorted by flashing it back at him. However, all the action and all the actions failed to break the deadlock. A point apiece was perhaps fair for both sides.

But Golden Gunners were particularly disappointed. “We had the most of the game but just couldn’t score. When you don’t score the pressure goes onto the team that is good,” explained coach Dereyk Desouza.

Star striker Soccor Velho was more upfront and shouldered the blame all for himself. “I missed more chances than any other player as my finishing wasn’t good,” he said.