Mahindra shock Salgaocar; E Bengal, F C Kochin draw goalless

S Ayyappa Swamy

Three defensive lapses, three goals and, as only one team could win, it was Mahindra United which came out trumps. The Bombay League champions beat former champions Salgaocar Sports Club, Goa, 2-1 in a fifth National Football League tie at the Cooperage, in Bombay, on Tuesday.

In another match, at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, in Kochi, East Bengal and F C Kochin played a goalless draw.

With the teams sharing two points, East Bengal maintained their top position on the league table, with 26 points. F C Kochin stayed in second place, one point behind.

Raman Vijayan's punted shot gave Mahindra the lead in the 18th minute which was neutralised by Cowan Lawrence at the stroke of half-time. Seven minutes before the end, Habib Adenkunle struck a similar shot like Raman, just outside the penalty box, to give Mahindra United a much-needed, though undeserving, win.

The entire Mahindra team needs to go on bended knees to thank their goalkeeper international Virender Singh, who was in splendid nick. He brought about at least four brilliant and timely saves to keep Salgaocar's goals down to one only.

Even in added on time, Virender struck his foot out to deflect a Cowan Lawrence shot which, fortunately for Mahindra United, ballooned over the goal.

During regulation play, Virender confidently blocked back-to-back shots by Venancio Gonsalves and Climax Lawrence following a flag-kick taken by Bruno Coutinho. First, he punched out Climax's shot and then went down to collect Venancio's shot. All in a day's work for Virender, who has certainly held his chin up despite some pathetic showings by his teammates.

Mahindra coach Shabbir Ali changed some players and for the first time even captain Aqueel Ansari was substituted. Mahindra looked hungry in the first half but appeared satiated by the first goal. So quickly did they go on the defnsive and involved themselves in some backpassing that one wondered if it was the first or the second half.

Neither team got any clear cut chances in play. While Mahindra got none, Salgaocar earned theirs through dead-ball situations, mostly corner-kicks. Salgaocar usually messed up the final pass, with Bruno Coutinho and Alvito D'Cunha playing with too much distance between them.

It was hard and tough on the ground with no quarter asked and none given. And due to the aggression in the midfield there were a lot of mispasses in the midfield.

Mahindra are now on 13 points and Salgaocar, who lost their second consecutive match, are stuck on 19 at the halfway stage.

Related reports:
FC Kochin lead National Football League race
F C Kochin stay ahead
Salgaocar close in on early leaders
Mohun Bagan well-placed after five rounds
Air India, Mahindra in a spot - Summary of Round 6
East Bengal high in the saddle - Summary of Round 7
East Bengal on top for second week - Summary of Round 8
Three in close race - Summary of Round 9
Prakash's hat-trick high point of Round 10