Former champions Western Railway were lucky to chug away with a 3-2 win against a young and sprightly Abhi Foundation in the opening Super Division match of the MHAL (Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) League – 2016, and played at the MHAL Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Monday.
Abhi Foundation goalkeeper Suraj Karkera (left) receiving the ‘Man of the match’ award of Rs 1000 from MHAL President Mangha Singh Bakshi at the MHAL Stadium.
Stanley Minz (6th min), Sanjay Yadav (19th) and Rajan Kandulna (55th) scored for Western while Abhi Foundation got their goals through Yograj Singh (34th) and Mithilesh Kumar (53rd). Abhi Foundation goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who was outstanding and made some great saves was later declared Man-of-the-match and received a cash prize of Rs 1,000 for MHAL President Mangha Singh Bakshi.
Western started with a flourish and scored twice inside the first 20 minutes to enjoy a solid 2-0 cushion. But, the Abhi Foundation youngsters were unfazed by those setbacks and instead they made a strong reply and managed to take the fight to the more experienced opponents.
The Western outfit played much below their expectations and even though they took an early lead when Minz scored from their first penalty corner they were not impressive. Even after Minz and Amit Rohidas combined neatly on the right to set up Yadav for the second goal there was plenty to be desired.
In between those goals, Abhi Foundation had a great chance to score but Manohar Yadav after intercepting a back pass from a Western defender failed to hit the target. However, Abhi Foundation were finally rewarded for their efforts as full back Yograj beat Western custodian Karan Thakur with a firm drag-flick from their third penalty corner in the 34th minute.
The outcome of the match could have been much different had Mithilesh been more accurate with his shot on goal in the very first minute of the second half. However, Abhi Foundation continued to press hard and got the equalizer when Mithilesh atoned for his earlier miss by pushing past goalkeeper Thakur after Imran K. had done the spade work in the 53rd minute.
But Western regained the lead when Kandulna scored from the rebound after goalkeeper Karkera had done well to stop a rasping push from Rohidas following a penalty corner in the 55th minute.
Results: Western Railway 3 (Stanley Minz 6th, Sanjay Yadav 19th, Rajan Kandulna 55th) beat Abhi Foundation 2 (Yograj Singh 34th, Mithilesh Kumar 53rd). Man-of-the-match: Suraj Karkera (Abhi Foundation – goalkeeper).
Tuesday schedule: 4.00 pm, Indian Navy vs Union Bank of India