The Hindu : Sport / Football : Viva Kerala gets past FC Calicut

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Monday, May 02, 2005

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Sport - Football

Viva Kerala gets past FC Calicut

Sports Reporter

THRISSUR: Viva Kerala survived a second half rally from FC Calicut to post a 3-1 win and entered the final of the N.I. David memorial State Club football championship at the Corporation stadium here on Sunday.

FC Calicut's fightback came a bit too late to pose any serious threat to the Kochi side which shrugged off its complacency to score a deserving win.

The livewire of the attack, Jaxon Sebastian, struck a brace (19th & 91st minutes) and Denson Devadas (35th) scored the other goal. P. Rahul volleyed home from 35 yards to turn the contest on its head in the 63rd minute.

The goal acted as a catalyst for the Kozhikode team which grew in confidence and launched an all-out attack. The Viva defence appeared shaky and the midfielders made a few uncharacteristic errors which were capitalised on by the Kozhikode players.

However, the FC Calicut forwards were not sharp enough to convert the half-chances that came their way. To its credit, Viva weathered the storm and counterattacked with gusto. Jaxon capped a fine day, scoring his second goal in the dying minutes of the game.

In the beginning it appeared to be a mismatch as Viva, playing with trademark flourish, took control of the proceedings. Anoj and Manoharan were a constant threat to the Kozhikode team's defence. It was goalkeeper K.V. Bibeesh's alacrity which kept Viva from going ahead early.

Jaxon strikes

However, Viva went ahead in the 19th minute when Jaxon flicked the ball past the on-rushing Bibeesh after a precise cross from the midfield split the defence. Jaxon missed a sitter in the 28th minute when he shot straight at the goalkeeper after being put in possession by Manoharan.

Denson increased the lead in the 35th minute with a left-footed volley from 35 yards. The ball eluded the desperate jump of the goalkeeper and hit the upright before entering the net.

FC Calicut did not show any urgency in the second half and it was Viva which dictated the pace of the contest. Substitute goalkeeper Noufal gave a good account of himself under the Kozhikode bar and thwarted many attempts by the Viva forwards.

The Kozhikode side scored much against the run of play. Viva goalkeeper Shibu Shanmugham strayed away from his line and misjudged the high ball when Rahul tried his luck from 35 yards. The contest turned lively after that goal, but Viva overcame the minor blip to assert its dominance.

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