MHL 2009: Sept 26: Interesting Police-SAI encounter

Mumbai, September, 26: Maharashtra State Police made up a goal deficit to beat Sports Authority of India 2-1 in a battle of the minnows in the MHA Super League played at the Mahindra Stadium today. The match was marred by rough play and unruly behaviour of the SAI players who kept on challenging the umpires at every possible opportunity. The Umpires were forced to take strong action as early as the eighth minute when Vinod Manugade (MSP) and Niyaz Rahim (SAI) clashed. The result was a yellow card leading to temporary suspension for both of them.

After the early flourish of moves and counter moves both the sides failed to keep the tempo in the second part of the first half. It was the Police side which came closest to goal with two minutes left for the break earning a penalty corner which was wasted. The change of ends saw Sports Authority miss a golden opportunity. Anand Gond and Narad Bahadur exchanged the ball quickly in the 25 yard area to provide the ball to Anirudh More who flicked wide with an open goal. SAI had another chance immediately. This time their skipper Rajendra Nangnoor was the culprit, unable to convert a fine cross from Narad Bahadur. SAI just failed to take advantage of MSP being a man short after Gomed Patil earned a temporary suspension for a rough tackle.

The dead lock was broken after SAI earned a penalty stroke for a stick check by an MSP defender in the circle. The policemen protested the decision for a while and as better sense prevailed play was resumed. Rajendra Nangnoor converted to put SAI ahead in the 63rd minute. A similar award for MSP resulted in a vehement protest by SAI. Led by Captain Rajendra Nangnoor and Anand Gond they gheraoed and challenged umpire Danny Kinny and his colleague Mohd.Amin had to rush to his aid. Both the players were temporarily suspended for their behaviour and at one time they almost assaulted the umpire who stood his ground. Vinod Manugade converted to equalize for the cops. Down to nine SAI who had lost their cool also lost the match as the policemen scored in the 66th minute. Vinod Manugades close try was saved by keeper Mujahid Khan and Umer Mohammed swooped on the rebound and slammed into an open goal.