The Hindu : Sport : Indian Bank's hopes dashed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 14, 2005

Sport

Sport

Indian Bank's hopes dashed

Special Correspondent

FLYING HIGH: Javed Ansari (left) celebrates Air India's third goal against Indian Bank. — Photo: Vino John

CHENNAI: Air India, Mumbai dashed Indian Bank's hopes with a 3-1 win in a lacklustre Group `A' match of the NFL second division at the Nehru stadium on Friday.

The Mumbai side showed the fixity of purpose where the local favourite failed to find the right script for the occasion. The win meant, Air India, which joined HAL with 10 points at the top of the table, made sure of the one remaining qualifying berth from the Group for the final phase.

Having lost its opening league match, Indian Bank could not afford anything less than a win.

Marching orders

The frontline, where the absence of Amulraj (hamstring strain) was clearly seen, lacked sharpness and a barren midfield meant the side stood exposed early. And when progress was hindered attitudes changed, the worst coming late in the match from defender Antony Noel who committed a foul on Air India's Noel Fernandes, serious enough for the Referee to give him marching orders (Red card) and signal a penalty.

There were interruptions galore through player-falls that only heightened the tension. Still if in the end the crowd rose to cheer Air India's Noel Fernandes, when he was substituted, with just minutes remaining for the match, then that reflected not just a sporting gesture but put the contest in the right perspective.

Hero

Undoubtedly the pony-tailed Noel was the hero of the Mumbai side for his lionhearted display.

Air India shot into lead in the seventh minute itself, thanks to that throw-in expert Uttam Kumar. His huge throw from the near touchline was headed goalwards by Benoy Kuruvilla and Anthony Fernandes nudged the ball in to complete the job.

Despite hardworking Anandavasan's overlapping efforts and long balls the Bank forwards could not immediately respond until, in the 28th minute, a Raman Singh cross wrong footed Raju Ekka for Joseph to bring up the equaliser.

A flag kick on change of ends saw Felix charge out premeditated only to be beaten by Benoy Kuruvilla's header that sent the ball plop into the cage (54th). Then came the 82nd minute Antony Noel faux pas that helped Javed Ansari convert a penalty to keep Air India flying high.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport