The Hindu : Sport / Football : Lanel's brace lifts SBT

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Wednesday, Apr 28, 2004

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Sport - Football

Lanel's brace lifts SBT

By Our Sports Reporter

KOCHI, APRIL 27. Riding on captain Lanel Thomas' two `penalty' goals, Kerala champion State Bank of Travancore (Thiruvananthapuram) shook off a two-month rust and scored a 2-1 victory over Punjab Police in the Phase I opener of the Second Division National Football League at the Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday evening.

The penalty awards came SBT's way when Abdul Hakkim was sent sprawling inside the box by Punjab Police defender Anwar in the 12th minute and in the 60th when midfielder Bachittar Singh handled the ball, thwarting an Anilkumar effort. Parminder Singh, who was impressive all evening, authored the Punjab team's lone goal in the 44th minute.

The SBT coach, former international N.M. Najeeb, had spoken about a tough beginning last evening. And true to expectations, the bank men, who missed the premier league cut after finishing third in the second division last season, were forced to sweat.

The young Punjab boys enjoyed the height advantage. They appeared stouter too and put their good build to good use midway through the second session which witnessed many push and shove scenes but the home side, with many seasoned players, was more creative. There was a nice sequence of crisp short passes too. And though the cops enjoyed 11 corners to SBT's six, they were unable to cash in on the set pieces.

Punjab Police began with a flourish, with Parminder looking dangerous quite early. He also came up with a lovely overhead back volley, which thrilled the crowd. But the SBT midfielders Lanel and the hardworking A.B. Kabeer and Abdul Noushad brought things under control soon. And there was a steady stream of passes, especially on the left, for Abdul Hakkim.

After receiving a fine feed from near the centre, Hakkim charged dangerously inside the box from the left in the 12th minute. His run had goal written all over, but a hard leg from Anwar brought him down. And while SBT earned a penalty, which Lanel converted by shrewdly sending the Punjab goalkeeper Paramjit Singh the other way, the visitor's Anwar got a yellow card.

Ten minutes later, SBT's Anilkumar came up with a threatening run but Anwar smartly warded off danger.

However, Parminder's effort towards the end of the first half was easily the goal of the evening. The youngster dodged and danced his way past three defenders and coolly and quietly tapped the ball in past the stunned SBT custodian Harshal Rahman. And the teams were level 1-1 at the break.

Sylvester Ignatious, a prolific scorer last season, was more of a spring deer today, leaping past the strong legs and hard hurdles that his markers often laid for him. He was making a comeback after a six-month injury break and often appeared cautious today. But the other two forwards Hakkim and Anilkumar were more enterprising and supported each other nicely. The two could have easily finished with a couple of goals each.

Anilkumar's effort, however, brought SBT its second penalty. After a promising run, he found midfielder Bachittar Singh's hand coming in the way of his floater in the second session. Referee K.Senthilvel was quick to award the penalty and Lanel was on target once again.

Punjab forward Harjinder and captain Harnek Singh came close to finding the target a few minutes later but while Harjinder's hard effort rebounded off the goalie, Harnek's attemp hit the crosspiece.

SBT substitute Mohammed Rafi created quite a stir when he came in for Ignatious a few minutes before the final whistle. Fast on feet, the youngster sent the Punjab defence in a tizzy with two fiery attempts, which hit the top bar. His presence made the desert much tastier than the main course.

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