Dominant Madanpura B prove too strong for Boxers FC

by Kaushal Shukla March 19, 2015

Madanpura B eased to a 3-1 win over Boxers FC after a dominant first half secured a win for them in a 3rd Division game of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) at St. Xavier’s Ground in Parel on 17th March 2015.

Madanpura B came out of the blocks quickly and were unfortunate not to be in front in the third minute when they struck the woodwork with a curling effort. Madanpura started dominating proceedings and put a lot of pressure on Boxers in the opening minutes of the first half.

The pressure eventually told in the 10th minute when Anjari Sajid put Madanpura in front after emphatically beating the goalkeeper with a fine finish. The goal was coming and Boxers faced a crucial period where they looked at damage limitations to avoid being further adrift.

But Boxers who were fuelled by veteran Fazal Shaikh’s drive and zeal very nearly restored parity few minutes later when Fazal chased down a back pass to the Madanpura goalkeeper which led to him nearly making a mess of a regulation clearance in the 19th minute.

Just a minute later, Madanpura doubled their advantage through Ansari Maaz who finished beautifully after Deepak Apte played him in with a through ball. The goal put Madanpura firmly in the driver’s seat as they went into half time with a deserved 2-0 lead.

Led by the experienced Fazal Shaikh, Boxers FC made a resurgent start to the second half. Fazal Shaikh was continuous menace for the Madanpura rearguard.

Boxers were rewarded for their hunger as Fazal Shaikh read the play brilliantly to intercept a loose ball from one of the Madanpura defenders and drove at their defence to arrive in a shooting position but he chose to pass to Fardinand who had loads of time to control it and finish past the Madanpura goalkeeper and bring Boxers right back into the game.

Boxers gave Madanpura B a far more competitive second half but Madanpura eventually sealed the points with a late goal from Royseen Castillo.

Madanpura deserved the victory after a solid show in the first half. Fifty Eight year old Fazal Shaikh of the Boxers stole the limelight though with his tireless performance. It is players like these that make the MDFA Leagues richer and a joy to watch.