A prodigal Central Railway paid dearly for not converting their chances and succumbed to a 0-2 defeat against arch-rivals Western Railway in a Super Division match of the MHAL (Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) League – 2016, and played at the MHAL Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate, on Monday evening.
In a keen contest between the railway outfits, Western did well to take the lead when skipper and drag-flick specialist Amit Rohidas with a rasping flick beat Central custodian Avaduth Solankar from their second penalty corner in the 15th minute.
Thereafter, Central went all out in search of the equalizer and mounted a series of raids on the Western citadel without any success and went into the break trailing 0-1.
After crossing ends, Western went on the defensive and Central took advantage of the situation and dictated terms during the second period. But, lack of ideas inside the rival area and poor finishing let Central down as they wasted a number of sitters. Victo Singh, Mohd Nizamuddin, Rajendra Pawar were found wanting, even full back Vishal Pillai failed to convert a single of the over half dozen penalty corner Central earned.
Western punished Central with another strike in the 60th minute. Following a swift counter Manpreet Singh dashed down the left and with a measured through pass found Rajan Kundolna unmarked at the far post and he gleefully guided the ball home from close.
Earlier, Indian Navy posted a fluent 5-1 win against Abhi Foundation after the scores were tied 1-1 at the end of the first half. Kuldeep Singh (23rd minute), Pratik Singh (48th), Ambika Pratap (60th), Ved Prakash (63rd) and Pawan Rajbir (69th) scored a goal each for Navy, while Abhi Foundation scored through Yograj Singh (27th).
Western Railway’s Karan Thakur and Vikas Singh of Indian Navy, both goalkeepers, won the ‘Man of the match’ awards in their respective matches and they were both presented with cash a award of Rs 1,000 each.
Navy and Western have 10 points each from four games, while Central who suffered their second defeat and has three points from as many games. Abhi Foundation have lost all their four games.
Results: Indian Navy 5 (Kuldeep Singh 23rd , Pratik Singh 48th, Ambika Pratap 60th, Ved Prakash 63rd, Pawan Rajbir 69th) beat Abhi Foundation 1 (Yograj Singh 27th). Man of the match: Vikas Singh (Indian Navy)
Western Railway (Amit Rohidas 15th, Rajan Kandolna 60th) beat Central Railway 0. Man of the match: Karan Thakur (Western Railway).
Tuesday schedule:
No Match
Wednesday schedule:
2.30 pm, Central Railway vs Bombay Republicans.
4.00 pm, Central Secretariat vs Indian Navy.