Well, we were informed that our last fixture of this season will be against league leaders, Century Rayon. Century Rayon were leading the league table and we were standing second with NFS at third, a point behind us. NFS also had to play their last match against NMSA from Vashi.
We had to win this match at any cost. And the team had a task at their hands, as Century have won all their matches convincingly with good margins against all the remaining teams in the super division.
Century was the team to beat in the super division this season. A day before the match, we had 15-16 players confirmed. But on match-day, we were just the 11 of us, as the team was for the last four matches.
But no extras was not a reason to dampen the spirit of the team. On match-day, it was raining heavily. Both the teams were ready and luckily for everyone, the rains stopped for sometime.
We entered the match with a zeal to win the game as we had to finish second in the table.
Kickoff time. SSAC Royals started the first half and were soon dominated by the century midfield. But Ankit, Suneet, Ricky were defending brilliantly and sanoj on goal was good. The defense was was firm and strong, which didnt give the oppponents to take their chances.
Team was able to keep the waves of attacks from Century at bay on regular basis during the first half.
It was Suneet's clearance, which was recieved by Ian. Ian was fouled there, Subheesh stepped up to take the free kick. The kick got deflected from a Century player and landed on the feet of Ian. Ian carried the ball got past one defender and released Akash on the left flank. Akash was upto the challenge and went around two defenders and crossed from the left corner. This cross was recieved by Rakesh, but rakesh was on his weeker left foot and blasted the ball just wide of the right post. Very much to the satisfaction of Centurys coach and players along the sidelines.
It was the only attack from SSAC Royals during the first half and the team was able to keep a clean sheet during the first half.
Ian was constantly marked by two Century players, but still made enough room to create chances.
During the breather, team decided to stick to the same strategy and push harder and go for the final push in the game. Second half, team had to defend harder as the tired legs were clearly visible. Century were attacking in the better half of the pitch, very much to there liking.
There was foul on the edge of the box and Sanoj was unable to set the wall right. Century scored their first goal through this free kick. Team were disappointed but lifted themselves and carried on with the game.
Rakesh was little lacklustre today but Mangesh was also playing well in his position. He was holding the ball and spreading the game. He released Mahendra on the left half line. Mahendra was quick to sight Akash's run and gave him a through ball.Akash got pass one defender but his shot was weak and Century goal keeper had no trouble collecting the ball.That was a golden chance missed.... Akash was working hard and was relentless to give up.
As the team was defending properly and were also tough, Century players started getting frustrated and loosing their tempers on field. During a Century corner, an off-the-ball incident, Subheesh was hit badly on his mouth with an elbow and he started bleeding. This set the temper and we avoided a major scuffle.
Just minutes after this incident, there was a hand ball by century in their own half and Blesson stepped up to take the free kick. His free kick landed inside the box and Ian headed on the ball to AKash, who trapped it kept his cool and slammed the ball home.
It was 1-1 and team was playing harder and more tougher. It was a do or die match for the team.
The team was pushing hard and Ankit passed the ball to Ian. Manish from Century tackled Ian very badly and referee was just in front of him. Referee showed a straight red card to Manish. Century was down to 10 men.
But the team had less time to capitalise on the advantage and referee blew the final whistle.
It was a convincing draw, but the team could have won the match. The teams spirit was commendable during this game today. Our head-coach Shanti Manjhi was happy with this result.
The team has finished third in the Super Division of this season TDFA league.
Thanks for the support during throughout the season. Hoping that next season, the team will top the league.
No comments:
Post a Comment