Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers's misery continues

Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) are in rough waters in the 'super six' play offs of Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) Elite Division. After losing 1-4 to former champions Air India on Sunday, they were beaten 0-2 by Mumbai Customs at the Cooperage ground on Wednesday.

RCF looked promising early in the game with captain Sagar Chile attacking upfront. But the first attempt on goal came when Customs' Mathias Coutinho took a piercing shot from outside the box. But a magnificent save by RCF goalkeeper Nakenra Singh saw it go for a corner.

Coutinho's swerving kick from the left was cleared by the RCF defenders but unfortunately it landed to Customs' Preneel Mendon. His volley was deflected into the net by teammate Vaibhab Karpe in the 29th minute.

After the change of ends, Customs managed to keep more possession and threaten the RCF defense at regular intervals. Francisco Salin finally produced some entertainment for the 40-odd spectators in the 64th minute when he slid to score from Deepak Irmali's pin-point through pass.

RCF had just one good attempt on goal late in the match, when Chile fired a shot from the edge of the area, but Customs goalkeeper proved equal to the task with a diving save.

"It was an amazing display by the team. We are a young side who like to pass the ball around. On such a flat pitch like this, we could do just that," said Customs captain Praneel Mendon.

Customs tasted their first win after a goalless draw against ONGC on Tuesday.