Carmelites FC march into the playoffs with a 2-0 win over St Paul’s

by Prasad bhutkar January 31, 2016

Carmelites FC registered a 2-0 win over St Paul’s SC in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) , First Division match held on Sunday afternoon at St Xavier’s ground Parel.

St Paul’s SC came into this game requiring a win as they needed to win both their remaining games in order to stand a chance to qualify in Group C which pretty much is the group of death. With Sea View’s win over Rhema taking them to 15 points all eyes were on this game as a win for Carmelites would take them into the playoffs whereas a win for St Paul’s would take them top of the table and within touching distance of the playoffs

It did not go as plan for St Paul’s SC as they concceded in the 22nd minute when number 11 Faiz Khan pounced on the St Paul’s keeper’s mistake to put Carmelites FC in front. The on rushing keeper failed to clear the ball presenting the chance on a plate for the Carmelites man putting them into the lead. St Paul’s seemed wasteful in front of goal. The major concern was lack of commitment from the players who never showed signs of getting back into the game. Carmelites went into the halftime break leading 1-0.

The second half would be a make or break for the St Paul’s season as they looked to make a comeback. The whole team played up the field looking to score that much important equaliser. All they lacked was sharpness around the box. As Carmelites were able to clear the ball. Very nearly midway through the second half St Paul’s had a golden opportunity to equalise when a lovely cross from the left was failed to be converted. It was begging to be converted into a goal. And as they surged forward Carmelites started a counter attack of their own. A very casual approach from the St Paul’s keeper gave them a second goal in the 71st minute which almost put the game to bed. Number 7 Arif Qureshi netted the second as St Paul’s saw themselves 2-0 down with a hugh mountain to climb.

When it looked like they would make it 1-2, Carmelites built another attack and the panicky St Paul’s keeper Girish conceded a penalty. Although Carmelites did not convert that but it showed the lack of various factors St Paul’s lacked today.

At Fulltime it was all smiles for Carmelites FC who marched into the playoffs with a 2-0 win showing alot of commitment and character to get the job done. St Paul’s chances of qualifying are slim and dependant on other results to go in their favour.