Group C has been the group of heavyweights in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA), First Division league. With Carmelites FC who registered a 2-0 win over St Paul’s on Sunday marched into the play-offs with 19 points, Century Rayon and Sea View would have to battle each other for the second place from the group. With both teams of 15 points and having 2 games each left anything could happen.  The second being Century Rayon vs Sea View in the decider.

St Paul’s SC meanwhile bowed out with a total of 13 points. A tally that would have taken them through in any other group. Don Lawson’s frustration with the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA), committee rightly justified after they failed to make balanced groups . Meanwhile St Paul’s SC had nothing to lose against Century Rayon as they look take some pride and bow out on a high leaving behind their 2-0 loss to Carmelites FC

And they started on the front foot with some lovely intricate passing but failed to convert the few chances that could have given them the lead. It was Century Rayon who managed to go ahead when number 11 Guljar MD fired home a goal from long range completely to St Paul’s surprise. It was Century Rayon who had one foot in the play-offs going into the break leading 1-0

No one saw the 4-0 scoreline coming. And if you have witnessed St Paul’s matches they have not leaked so many goals. But that changed today. Number 10 Manahar Sakia scored the second to give Century a two goal cushion in the 67th minute. Number 17 Thalichan Vasum neeted the 3rd in the 71st minute whereas number 4 Tejas Raut scored the 4th goal of the game in the very next minute i.e 72nd minute. A staggering 3 goals in a space of 6 minutes.

With this win Century Rayon have 18 points with a game to play. An all important game against Sea View who find themselves on 15 points with 2 games to play. The final few games promise to be edge of the seat affairs with the Sea View vs Century Rayon being the highlighted one.

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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.

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