Unchil United Sports Club narrowly gets past Karnatak Bros. Sports Club; Kevin Lobo with the winner

by Balbir Singh December 22, 2015

On Saturday afternoon, 19th December ’15, Kanara Bros. Sports Club tussled against Uchil United Sports Club at Karnatak Sports Association ground, Mumbai in 20th Late Ramanath Payyade Memorial Football League Tournament. A solitary goal from no.2 Kevin Lobo in the 53rd minute proved enough to separate two equal sets of sides.

As the first-half began to take shape both teams enjoyed a couple of half chances, making-up for an exciting opening 5-minutes. The first chance of the match fell to Kanara Bros. S.C. in the 8th minute when no.17 Anil Rathod’s cross from the right-flank was met by no.10 Sunil Rathod on the far-post, but the latter somehow miscued his effort just off the left-hand post.

As the half progressed through its midway point, it became clearer in vision, how both sides planned to exploit the gaps. While, Karnatak Bros. S.C. tried to play ball in-behind a high-positioned Unchil United S.C.; keeping an offside-trap in order to catch the quicker Karnatak Bros. S.C. attackers in an offside position, Uchil United S.C. on the other hand planned to outwit Karnatak Bros. S.C. with physicality and long-balls into channels – looking for mistakes and pouncing upon them. Unchil United S.C. only ‘big chance’ came in the 20th minute from no.11 Selig Baptista, who flashed his shot past the goalkeeper’s right-hand post. Unchil United S.C.’s overall approached remained cautious and patient throughout the half as they looked for an inevitable gap, but it was Karnatak Bros. S.C. created better chances, and the offside-trap to extend backfired for Unchil United S.C. as the first-half came to a closure with Karnatak S.C. enjoying a hatful of chances as they escaped the offside-trap later-on.

The second-half was no different to the first-half with neither looking to create or score from any half or real opportunity. It was Unchil United S.C.’s no.11 Selig Baptista who was played onside at the cost of Canara Bros. S.C.’s no.5 Murli Chavan’s improper defensive positioning. Unchil United S.C. missed-out on a couple of chances in the span of 3 minutes, through, which they should have scored at least, one goal. First, an attempted effort from outside the box was tipped over the bar with a fine reflex save from Karnatak Bros. S.C. goalkeeper, second, a headed chance on the far post for no.21 Swapnil Kumtakar was completely headed off-target.

For a majority of the second-30 minutes, Karnatak Bros. S.C. suffered a major setback with number of chances they let-in, and in particular the goal. The goalkeeper having, initially made a fine stop, from no.5 Sudarshan Kamat’s volleyed attempt, couldn’t do much about, no.2 Kevin Lobo’s headed effort, which came from the resulting corner. As the match reached closer to its climax, Karnatak Bros. S.C. surged forward with the prospect for an equalizer, which never arrived as Unchil United S.C. snatched maximum points with a narrow victory.

There has been a particular pattern of downfall in Karnatak Bros. S.C.’s play, which sees them dip physically and mentally as the games progresses. The immaturity creeps-in on most occasions and experienced oppositions take full-advantage of it.