Mahindra prevail 2-0 over Churchill Brothers

S Ayyappa Swamy in Bombay

Mahindra United exorcised the ghosts of a 1-6 dressing down by Churchill Brothers in the Rovers Cup in December with a quality performance which fetched them a 2-0 win over the Goan champions in the National Football League tie in Bombay on Wednesday. A first-time left-foot volley from the edge of the box by Iranian recruit Davoud Hosseni fetched Mahindra their first goal in the 52nd minute and then Raman Vijayan gave the finishing touches to a Abhay Kumar cross in the 63rd minute.

In between, Churchill's Edson de Crasto, the Brazilian midfielder, was sent off with a red card for a defence, which earned him his second yellow card.

The behaviour of the foreigners in the Churchill side was appalling with Igor Shkvrin picking up a yellow card and even the other Brazilian Andre Requena was not at his best.

In fact, Igor should have been sent back with a red card after he deliberately stamped on Anthony Fereira's foot in the second half.

This behaviour is obviously a reflection on their bosses who too have been constantly haranguing the referees. Both the Churchill brothers, Joaquim and elder sibling Alemao, have been very vocal while criticising the referees.

Overall it was a fine performance by Mahindra who were held 2-2 in their previous match against SBT at Thiruvananthapuram. It was only the second win for them after a 1-0 win over ITI two weeks earlier.

The introduction of Gholam Reza, another Iranian in the Mahindra side, as right wing-back has pepped up the entire side. Reza was dazzling on the wings and built up a good understanding with the hard-working S Venkatesh.

It was Reza's centre, which was deflected by Mir Farooq Haider, that saw Hosseni essaying a stunning shot from about 20 yards.

Vijayan is slowly getting his confidence back and two goals in successive matches could only have enhanced it. He has to curb his exuberance slightly as he was constantly getting caught in the offside trap and once missed a veritable sitter with only goalkeeper Edward Ansah in front.

Down to nine men and Igor being taken off, Churchill unsuccessfully tried to maintain their cool and get back into the match.

Mahindra now have 10 points while Churchill are on eight after seven rounds.

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