Abhishek Thote’s heroics saves the day for Springfield
24th December 2017, Mumbai: In the Group C encounter of MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association) Super Division, ESIC played their first match of the season as they met Springfield FA in a closely-contested clash at Goans Sports Ground, Churchgate. Goalkeeper Abhishek Thote brilliantly saved a penalty in the second-half to rescue a 1-1 draw for Springfield FA.
ESIC made a great start as they attacked right from the kick-off in hope to take an early lead. Ajinkya Umasare had almost put ESIC in front when his low-driven shot whispered past the far post. A couple of minutes later, Shaijut and Nikhil Karkera combined to set up Egypsio Noronha who managed to, unfortunately, strike the upright from close-range.
Later in the first-half, Ajinkya Umasare came agonizingly close, not once but twice, only to place his effort wide. The forward was clearly having a bad day in front of the goal. Just when the match was heading towards a goalless first-half, Springfield broke the deadlock, against the run of play, when Jabin Pillai’s glancing header comprehensively beat ESIC’s custodian Rohit Maurya in the 38th minute.
ESIC responded brilliantly in the second-half. Attacker Alroy D’Souza danced past couple of defenders and placed his shot past Springfield’s goalkeeper Abhishek Thote to level the score in the 50th minute. The likes of David D’Souza, Egypsio and Ajay Rane was struggling to keep their attempts on the target as the frustration in front of goal kept soaring.
With the match heading towards a draw, ESIC was awarded a penalty which would have surely decided the game. Nikhil Karkera stepped up, placed his shot in the right bottom corner, only to be spectacularly denied by flying-goalkeeper Abhishek Thote who palmed the penalty brilliantly.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw which could have easily gone in ESIC’s favour had not for the missed chances. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining match to witness at the Goans Ground in Churchgate.
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