ONGC see off a late Great Mother SC rally to claim a narrow win
Oil & Natural Gas Corporation survived a late surge from Great Mother Sports Club to claim a 1-0 win in the Elite Division game of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) at Cooperage on 25th March 2015. An early goal from Lavino Fernandes proved decisive as ONGC registered a second successive win in the space of three days.
ONGC were fresh off a 3-0 win over CBI coming into the game against GMSC who had put in a strong performance to nick a point of Indian Navy in their last outing.
But it was ONGC who drew first blood just six minutes from the start through Lavino Fernandes whose neat finish was completely out of Kartik Putran’s reach.
ONGC had wind in their sails as they threatened to run riot. But GMSC got their act together pretty quickly to passify ONGC’s growing threat.
GMSC had a few good moments just before the water break. But it was ONGC who controlled the thick of the things.
Lavino Fernandes was unfortunate not to double his and his team’s tally in the 37th minute when he rattled the crossbar with an effort from just inside the penalty area.
Three minutes later, Kailash Patil was cleverly slipped through on goal by a through ball from Justin Singh Bisht but the ONGC skipper failed to hit the target as his effort went wide of the right hand side post.
GMSC had a great chance to go into the break on level terms when Sushil Kawde made a darting run at the ONGC defence but a heavy touch inside the penalty area allowed ONGC to clear the danger.
ONGC had their nose in front at half time and had been the dominant of the two sides. But GMSC had plenty of moments in the first half to keep them interested.
ONGC were on the front foot from the start of the second period as Kailash Patil forced a brilliant low save to Kartik Putran’s right after a swift turn in the 49th minute.
GMSC replaced Clifford Garrett with Clyde Noronha at the hour mark as ONGC responded with a double change.
But the fresh legs failed to spark either side as the game lost it’s high tempo before the water break post the 70th minute.
ONgC’s failure to kill the game gave GMSC plenty of encouragement as they started to play with a lot of crspness in their play as ONGC started dropping back into their half.
GMSC replaced Apparao Chiman with Gregory Pinto with in the 78th minute with a view to aid their attacks.
GMSC won a free kick just at the edge of the box in the 80th minute but Tushar Poojari’s effort was over hit and went over.
There was a controversial moment four minutes later when a header from a GMSC player looked to have sneaked past the goal line as Karan Atwal made a crucial clearance on the line.
There were appeals from the GMSC bench but the referee stuck to him linesman’s call and waved away the appeals.
ONGC got through the rough patch and very nearly made it 2-0 when substitute Parminder Singh was denied by Kartik Putran’s despite being in an one on one position with the striker in the final minute of stoppage time.
The referee blew for full time as ONGC wobbled across the finishing line.
Despite the lack of goals, it was an entertaining encounter as GMSC ran the mighty ONGC very close.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…