The most anticipated match of the day was this game. 90 minutes of intense action added to the afternoon heat at Goans. This match missed the early goal scoring moment. As the game progressed it gained the momentum and there was space for both teams to pass around building up to some beautiful moves in the park. It was clear from both teams intention that they were playing their hearts out for three crucial points.

The breakthrough of the match arrived in the 40^th minute when Melroy Fernandes netted the opening goal. At half time HDFC had a well-deserved lead. Companeros had a few chances but were not able to take them. The second half much like the first was dominated by HDFC. In the 60^th minute, Rishi Pillai scored HDFC’s 2^nd goal to put a shadow of a doubt of a Companeros comeback. A football game is never decided until the full 90 minutes are up. But this was one was just not one of those that had a comeback written over it. Three crucial points to HFDC.

FT: HDFC 2-0 Companeros

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HDFC came into the match in top form. Chheda Nagar were riding high on confidence after beating ICL-A 2-1 to enter the semifinal. Both side had a much needed boost as they will now play in the Super Division next season.

The contest between HDFC and Chheda Nagar was an exciting affair with both teams were playing a high pressing game. As both teams looked to regain possession in the middle of the park, it was HDFC who grabbed the crucial lead when Liston Fonseca was able to put the ball in the back of the net. It was a closely contested first half. At half time HDFC 1-0 Chheda Nagar.

The second half was a nervy one for HDFC supporters who were in the one goal lead. Chheda Nagar seemed to come out a spirited side looking to turn the game around. Although an astute defense from HDFC was instrumental in keeping Chheda Nagar at bay, the Prodigies had a few chance to level the game. Missing chances in front of goal.

At full time it was all joy for HDFC who came out on top with a 1-0 win over Chheda Nagar Prodigies. They will now play the winner of Reserve Bank of India and Century Rayon who lock horns for a spot in the final on March 17. The MDFA First Division league for 2015-16 season looks to be coming to an eventful ebd with 2 matches to go.

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As we come near to end of the league’s group matches, the intensity of the competition goes up with team’s looking to qualify for the play-off. This match between HDFC and Soccer A-Z was no different as both teams looked to add more points to their existing tally in order to march towards the play-off.

HDFC came into this game on 13 points from 5 games, having conceded 0 goals, yes zero. 5 clean-sheets in 5 games. An impressive performance having netted 8 goals so far. Whereas Soccer A-Z had 10 points from their 5 games just three behind HDFC.  A win for HDFC would take them four points clear of Juhu Beach Utd who are on 12 points.

HDFC and Soccer A-Z  both started cautiously knowing a goal conceded early could prove costly. HDFC’s number 4 Morgan Ganda bossed the game with his awareness, intricate passing and ability to increase the tempo of the game. Although the finishing was lacklustre both teams held on for a 0-0.

The game would come to life in the second half when both teams had shots at goal only for the players to fire over the top. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when the Soccer A-Z centre back failed  to clear the ball presenting an opportunity for number 21 Jayesh Naik who pressurized the keeper into a mistake before putting the ball in the back of the net. And they doubled their lead in the 71st minute when number 4 Morgan Ganda had the presence of mind to control the ball near the by line before cutting two players and laying it on a plate for number 26 Blaise Fernandes who made no mistake.

The missed chances proved costly for Soccer A-Z who could have won the game or if not won got something out of it . This win takes HDFC to 16 points with two games still to play. They sit top of the group comfortably. Their next two games are vs Rhino FC and Hearts FC.

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HDFC and Atlanta SC  were up against each other in the First Division group B match. A Crucial game for Atlanta who needed the win to keep their hopes alive for qualifying the play offs whereas HDFC were in a much better position winning two out of their last three games. Neither team could afford another defeat.

Atlanta SC  had suffered a 2-0 defeat in their previous game against Rhinos while HDFC were given a walk over after their opponents could not make it on time. Both teams opted for a 4-3-3 formation with HDFC at time playing 4-2-4.

HDFC created a lot of chances to go in front but failed to capitalise. Their host of chances included a freekick from number 17 Rishi Pillai which was saved by the Atlanta keeper. Another lung bursting run down the right from Rishi could have been a goal only for him to fire over the top. Atlanta hardly could create any real chance for scoring as the score remained goal less at half time.

HDFC were favourites to score the opening goal of the game taking into account the possession they kept and the game they played. And very nearly took the lead when number 16 Nigel D’Souza hit the crossbar only for the ball to comeback of it. That would have gone inside 9/10 times on any other day. The breakthrough came in the 57^th minute when a cross down the right hand side was netted by number 16 Nigel D’Souza giving HDFC the lead. HDFC went on an attacking spree as every move forward lead to a shot on goal. They managed to double their lead in the 68^th minute when number 11 Siddhanth Puthran crossed from the right for number 21 Jayesh Naik to tap in the ball past the goalkeeper.

Atlanta SC failed to have any shots on target. It was all HDFC throughout the match as Atlanta succumbed to yet another defeat.

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HDFC Bank and Hearts FC players chasing for the boll

HDFC kept the ball possession and dominated the midfield throughout the game. Dennis Menezes one of the most experienced campaigners, lead their midfield with his effective distribution, along with former Customs & Mumbai FC player Nelson Cardoz, were the striking force for HDFC. Keeping the momentum right from the kickoff whistle they got the lead just after 4 minutes of play. The HDFC scoring account was opened by the very skilled Nelson Cardoz. Their lead did not last long though, within the next 4 minutes Heart FC equalized the score with a neat finish by Jeevan Jain. It was the only effective move that Hearts FC had initiated, most of time they were busy defending the ferocious HDFC attack, till the end of first half HDFC had a 3 goal lead. Rakesh Yadav and Blaise Fernandes scored the 2nd and 3rd goals respectively.

The 2nd half was evenly poised, both teams were likely to score, but HDFC looking to make the most of the lessons learnt from last season were all out to better their goal average. For HDFC, Siddharth Puthran is a key element on the right wing, his contribution met its worth in the final 10 minutes of the game, he took a long-range shot which hit the crossbar bar and the rebound set up an easy opportunity for Jayesh Naik to tap in the 4th goal.

Hearts FC player controlling a ball

Results from the other 2nd division and 1st division matches played at St. Xavier’s Ground, Parel

2nd Division : Classic SC beat Joshua Generation [1-0]. Shaikh Tarique scored all-important winning goal for Classic SC.

1st Division : Chedda Nagar Fanatics beat Vintage, Dahisar [1-0]. Ferdinand D’cruz.

2nd Division : FC MIthanagar drew with Dadar XI “B” [3-3]

FC MIthanagar => 1st goal – Yash Salvi 19th min, 2nd goal – Priyesh Chalkar 24th min, 3rd goal – Siddharth Sindhe 74th min.

Dadar XI “B” => 1st goal – Rohan Shukla 35th min, 2nd goal – Faizal Khan 47th min, 3rd goal – Edric Fernandes 68th min

2nd Division : Century Rayon beat Gokul Mitra Mandal [3-0]
Century Rayon => Ashwin Thak, Chihan Khamrang, Sunny Janyani

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