Central Rly split points with I-Tax

I-T goalkeeper Santosh Shinde, who has done well for his team in the past, came up with another stupendous performance. He made atleast half-a-dozen saves. The Railway team kept possession of the ball for long spells but were denied time and against by Shinde.

The opportunity came for Railway in the 14th minute when they won a free-kick just outside the box. Shanta Kumar curled the ball over the wall but Shinde stretched full to his right to bring out a brilliant save. Four minute later, Railway almost got the lead as Arshad Ansari8217;s airborne side volley hit the bar on a cross off Hameed Ansari.

I-T got a scoring chance against the run of the play. In the 32th minute, substitute Rameshan combined one-to-one with Neil D8217;Costa andfound himself unmarked near the goalmouth. But the speedy striker failed to hold the ball and Railway8217;s custodian Raghu Khanolkar made a neat collection while diving.After the breather, Railway team brought in Pradeep Saha for Lanuchuba. And immediately after his arrival, Saha had a chance when he took a crack at the goal from top of the box but Shinde tipped the ball out.

Kumar was put by Augusto D8217;Silva in the box in the 60th minute but a desperate dive from I-T defender, Udhav Pandey, thwarted that danger.Overlapping right-wing back Kakodkar crossed a ball for the waiting Saha could only guide the ball straight in the hands of Khanolkar, Railway goalkeeper.

Former international goalkeeper Banya Kakade, presently coaching I-T team was happy with the performance of the boys. He said, 8220;If you see the ground conditions then my boys have fairly well to win a point from such an experienced side.8221;

While Irenio Vaz, Railway team coach lamented at the poor finishing of strikers. He added, 8220;You cannotafford to miss so many chances in the first half against a team which has a poor striking power. They were left with only one option defending. And they that did well.8221;