Defending champions Indian Navy and Union Bank of India shared the spoils as they played out a 2-2 draw in a Super Division match of the MHAL League 2017-2018, at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Sunday.
The sailors took the lead through Nitesh in the eight minute, but Union Bank made a strong reply and restored parity through Zaim Khan in the 30th minute as the teams went into break tied 1-all. On resumption, Union Bank snatched the advantage when Prince Chaurasia deflected home a cross from the right in the 54th minute before Navy’s full back Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 63rd minute to force the draw.
Indian Navy, now have 11 points from three wins and a draw, while Union Bank have seven points from two wins and today’s draw.
Later in an exciting and well-contested encounter, Central Railway overcame Western Railway 4-3. Mohd. Nizamuddin, the spearhead in the Central attack scored two goals in the 13th and 43rd minutes, while Brijendra Singh scored one in the 22nd minute before enterprising midfielder Rajendra Pawar scored the decisive winner in the 64th minute. Western Railway got their first goal through Rajin Kandulna in the seventh minute while drag-flicker Manpreet Singh converted from two penalty corners in the 17th and 57th minutes.
For Central this was their third win from four games and they have nine points, while this was the second defeat for Western, who have just a solitary point from the draw with Navy earlier.
Union Bank defender Anand Rai and Central Railway’s Mohd. Nizamuddin bagged the ‘Man of the Match’ awards in their respective matches and both received a cash award of Rs 1,000 each.
On Monday, Mumbai Customs will meet Bombay Republicans at 4.00pm.
Results: Indian Navy 2 (Nitesh 8th, Jugraj Singh 63rd) drew with Union Bank of India 2 (Zaim Khan 30th, Prince Chaurasia 54th). MoM: Anand Rai (Union Bank).
Central Railway (Mohd. Nizamuddin 13th, 43rd, Brijendra Singh 22nd, Rajendra Pawar 64th) beat Western Railway (Rajin Kandulna 7th, Manpreet Singh 17th–PC, 57th-PC). MoM: Mohd. Nizamuddin (Central Railway).