Maharashtra State Police (MSP) and Sports Authority of India (SAI), both finally made a point as they were engaged in an exciting 2-2 draw in a Super Division match of the MHAL League 2017-2018, at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Tuesday evening. This was the first point for both teams after they had lost their previous four games.
The younger SAI outfit took the lead through a snap goal scored by their captain Dilip Pal in the fifth minute but, the policemen came back and found the equaliser through Vinod Manugude minutes before half-time.
MSP made a strong start in the second half by taking the lead through Prithvi Salunkhi’s goal in the very first minute. SAI fought back and restored parity through Dheeraj Vats who scored from a well-executed penalty corner drill in the 43rd minute.
Meanwhile, Central Railway powered by penalty corner specialists Narad Bahadur three goals and Vinit Kamble’s late effort managed to force an exciting 4-4 draw with Mumbai Customs in another league encounter. Customs scored through a brace of goals from P.L. Thimmanna and one each from Nagasrinu Y. and Hemant Gethe.
SAI captain Dilip Pal and Central Railway’s full back Narad Bahadur won the ‘Man of the Match’ awards in their respective match and both received a cash award of Rs 1,000 each.
Results: Central Railway 4 (Narad Bahadur 8th-PS, 17th-PC, 39th-PC, Vinit Kamble 68th-PC) drew with Mumbai Cusgtoms 4 (P.L. Thimmanna10th, 44th-PC, Nagasrinu 52nd-PS, Hemant Gethe 54th). MoM: Narad Bahadur (Central Railway).
Maharashtra State Police 2 (Vinod Manugude 31st, Prithvi Salunkhi 36th) drew with Sports Authority of India 2 (Dilip Pal 5th, Dheeraj Vats 43rd). MoM: Dilip Pal (SAI).