Westersn Railwasy rout State Cops while Central railway snatch a point from ONGC
Mumbai, September 14: It was good day for Railways in the MHA league in Mumbai today as Western ran out easy victors by a 5-2 margin against Maharashtra State Police and a fast improving Central managed to split points with a 1-1 draw against champions Oil and Natural Gas Corporation at the Mahindra Stadium. A fine performance by drag flicking defender Suresh Kumar who nailed in three goals from penalty corners saw Western score their third big win to bolster their tally to 13 points in five matches. The state cops crashed to their third straight defeat in the league. ONGC managed to equalize in the second half through a penalty corner conversation by Jayanta.
Western opened their account very early, the third minute to be precise. Suresh found the top corner of the net leaving rival keeper Imran Metkari routed to the ground. The cops came back within five minutes through a brilliant goal by Amit Yesur who wrong footed Suraj Kanta in the Western goal. Undeterred by the equalizer, Western snatched the lead with Jayesh Jadhav the opportunist deflecting home an accurate cross by Manish Sahi in the 14th minute of play.
The policemen prevented further damage for a long period only to then give Jayesh an opportunity in the 42nd minute. Jayesh showed his scoring prowess sweeping the ball at the near post after Prabhakar fed him from the right following a swift counter. Within a couple of minutes Suresh struck, this time low to the left of Imran. He beat him once again with five minutes left on the clock. This time it was a neat grounder from their 13th penalty corner which foxed the police defence. In between MSP earned a penalty stroke when a drag flick by Atul Patil hit rival defender Kuldeep on the body following their second penalty corner. Vinod Mohite converted easily to reduce the margin (2-4) Baljit Thakur of police was shown the yellow card for rough play.
Central’s persistence paid off in their match against ONGC in the 18th minute of play with Rashid Ali making the most of a free hit taken on the left just outside the circle. ONGC breathed easy early in the second session when Jayanta who had come off the bench after the break, scored from the fourth penalty corner. He used the drag flick to beat Hirojit Singh in the 44th Minute. As a result of the draw ONGC have moved into second position behind Western with ten points. Central Railway on the other hand, has four points from three outings.
Tomorrow’s match
4.00 pm Air India Vs Mumbai Customs