Soumesh Nair’s strike takes Shastri Nagar to the Quarter Finals

by Nikhil Ghosh May 28, 2015

The last play-off match of 3rd Division of the MDFA (Mumbai District Football association) ended in Shastri Nagar’s favor with Soumesh Nair’s solitary goal in the 22nd minute defeating Sagar Mitra Mandal at St. Xavier’s Ground on 27th May 2015

Daryl Varghese had the first attempt at the goal in the 2nd minute itself for Shastri Nagar but the beautiful volley went over the crossbar for a goal kick. But it was Soumesh Nair who was able to score in the 22nd minute for Shastri Nagar after repeated attempts by his teammates which earned a corner kick which he converted into a Goal.

By the end of first half, Sagar Mitra Mandal felt pressurized as they couldn’t move away from their defensive area and the goal was a major setback for them.

Shastri Nagar brought Ajay Kumar from the bench in place of Paresh Lakhwani in the start of Second half which brought some spark in the match again. Ajay was all over the pitch and it seemed true that ‘Better late then never’.

Ajay faced able resistance from Sagar Mitra Mandal goalkeeper, Shivam Desai who was the saving grace for his team. He denied Shastri Nagar strikers Daryl Varghese, Soumesh Nair and John Perreira in doubling the score.

Sagar Mitra Mandal tried their best to at least equalize in the last 5 minutes with even defenders moving in to support the strikers but by then it was late and as the final whistle blew, Shastri Nagar were through to Quarter finals defeating Sagar Mitra Mandal 1-0.