Late brace from Nitesh Monde helps ONGC to victory over Western Railways

by Kaushal Shukla October 1, 2015

Oil & natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) were made to sweat to record a 3-1 win over Western Railways in an Elite Division game of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) League held at Cooperage on Wednesday, 30th September 2015.

ONGC were wary of the railways outfit after a stunning comeback from Western Railways in the corresponding fixture last season earned them a 3-2 win, a defeat which completely derailed ONGC’s title bid.

It was an even start to the game with both teams getting an early sight of the goal, only for the defences to deal with the danger. But eventually in the 25th minute ONGC’s Dharmesh Patel broke the deadlock as he fired home after receiving a cut back just inside the penalty area to give ONGC the lead.

The Oilmen had the chance to double their advantage before the break on numerous occasions but failed to grab their chances as Western Railways went into the break with just a one goal deficit.

The game remained tight even after the interval as chances went begging for both sides in the opening quarter of the hour post the interval. Eventually ONGC got the much needed breathing space in the 78th minute, which was provided by Nitesh Monde who scored to put the game beyond Western Railways.

But Western Railways came right back into the contest with just two minutes from time when Ravikant Naidu curled in an effort into the top corner to set up a grand stand finish. The late Western Railways goal rattled ONGC who very nearly conceded another one only for their goalkeeper to palm away a fierce strike.

Just as when one thought ONGC would surrender their lead, Nitesh Monde popped up on the counter attack at the other end to score and put Western Railways to bed once and for all.

The win was the first one of the season for ONGC, and one which is certain to lift their spirits after a rather tame showing against Kenkre FC.