Late Air India surge sinks Indian Navy

by Lakshya Dutt May 9, 2015

On the green carpet of Cooperage stadium, an extravagant clash of football took place on Friday morning in the Elite Division of Mumbai district football association (MDFA) between two renowned teams of this League. Air India displayed an electrifying spirit of this auspicious game on the bright sunny morning as they cruised to a 3-0 win.

The game started with a balanced fluctuating soccer as both the teams managed to create moves to get the first scoring goal of the match. Indian Navy too was graceful in the first half on the turf ground of South Mumbai.

V.Lalchhuanmawia was exceptional with his graceful footwork and attempted to create smooth passes for his fellow strikers but with the firm midfield and defence, the Air India not only managed to stop their worthy opponents but also were able to create outrageous moves while maintaining their formation.

Both the teams tried their level hard to achieve the first auspicious goal in the first half. In the last ten minutes several free kicks and corners were awarded to both the teams but either couldn’t manage to convert a single chance in the successful goal.

Both teams cancelled each other out in the first half which ended goalless.

Multiple attempts to convert their moves turned into collision between the players in the 12th minute of the second half. Pawandeep Singh of Navy was furiously moving ahead with the ball when T.Johnychand Singh in the tackling move barged with his opponent mate.

Air India was superlative with their passing as they were able to move the ball quickly and maintained the ball possession quite well. Mervin Steven and Harold Fernandes displayed an indelible passing while controlling the ball with inducing footwork and reflexes.

In the 80th minute Mervin succeeded in his tactic of giving the ball in the left side of the box, to create an easy convertible goal for forward Harold .Air India gained maximum ball possession with their beautiful ability to play in formation with inducing skills.

Though Navy only managed to create chances to cover up the lead but they were not clear with their shots and skills as much as their opponents were.
Pawandeep Singh and V.Lalchhuanmawia tried enough to give the ball to attackers to create their moves, but with slow temperament in the game they only managed to get on the ball but couldn’t convert it.

While making constant moves with swift striding of ball on the turf Air India were achievable in converting the ball again when T.Johnychand Singh in between the opposing defenders, managed to push a chip above the players to turn it in the scaling lead of 2-0 in the match.

Harold Fernandez again was quite brilliant with his quick and agile skills as he converted the ball yet again for his team Air India in the 4th minute added time. Air India exposed beautiful skills of passing as the ball sailed from left wing to Harold who proved to be a vital striker for his team.

Navy midfielders were not quick enough to keep the ball possession at good rate with exhausted body language they were tiring through the end of the match before Air India maestros netted thrice as they managed to score the final winning goal before the end of the second half.

Navy required building more spirit in them to keep the enthusiasm alive till the end but with numerous attempts to shoot the ball inside the goal post they were appeared to be ineffective against vigorous Air Indians. Completing the game with one sided score on the board by the Air India they were able to show their mature skills to conquer the battle with 3-0.