Hriday Sethi’s brace inspires Reserve Bank of India win

by Prasad bhutkar January 20, 2016

RBI thump Veninza Virar to register a 3-0 win in the Mumbai District Football Association ( MDFA) , First Division match held on Wednesday afternoon at St Xavier’s ground, Parel

Reserve Bank of India continued their brilliant form to march on with a 3-0 win over Veninza Virar. Group F table toppers were in no mood to let their opponents take a respite as they started relentlessly with a pressing game to complement to their lovely passing game.

Veninza Virar missed some opportunities to take the lead but it was the RBI side that took the lead via striker Hriday Sethi who was assisted by number 11 Abhishek A in the 32^nd minute. At half time it looked like an even game with RBI deservedly ahead.

RBI started the second half playing football on a different level altogether. Their constant pressing coupled with confidence on the ball proved to cause panic in the Veninza defense as they manage to score two goals in quick succession. The second came from a lovely run from the left just 2 minutes into the second half when number 11 Abhishek A  put in a wonderful cross which met by a diving header from number 2,  striker Hriday Sethi to put it past the keeper.

The third goal came immediately after 3 minutes which involved the same two players as Hriday headed the ball in the path of Abhishek who timed his run well and placed it in the right bottom corner giving RBI a 3-0 lead. Their relentless attacking continued as they looked to add to their tally. Veninza tried to march forward towards opening their account but a shot at RBI defender only resulted in a corner which was straight into the hands of the keeper.

This match once again proved why RBI were group F toppers and certainly one of the favourites to go farthest. Striker Hriday Sethi  was in hot form as he looked for his hattrick and very nearly got it when a purposeful cross in the box was shot at goal only to fire it over the top. A narrow miss which could have bulged the net if it was kept low. And that was it from the Hriday as he was substituted Veninza Virar kept the ball in the final 15 minutes but their constructive passing game was thwarted by a resolute RBI defense who was in no mood to concede. At Full time RBI were in rejoicing their 3-0 win. A complete performance which could have got more goals.