Jaded A-I split point with WR

But the newly-promoted railwaymen had other ideas. Willi Joy8217;s corner went to veteran substitute Kaushik Pal and from the ensuing melee, Ahmed, who was left unmarked, did the needful.

8220;Sab kal akhbar mein naam ayega na?8221; the 22-year-old questioned when asked for his reaction. A-I coach Bimal Ghosh8217;s riposte was: 8220;After watching Euro 2000 matches all these nights, players are jaded.8221;

Air-India dominated the match but failed to impress. They just could not spread 8212; weren8217;t allowed would be the right way to describe 8212; the wings. The Western Railway defence, led by Sajid Sheikh, used the funnelling system to the hilt and all the airmen could do was grind. Luck also wasn8217;t with them. Bungo Singh8217;s 25-yarder hit the woodpost, another of his attempts was palmed away by goalkepper A Majeed and once Tomba Singh8217;s dipping hit was tipped over by Majeed. Credit should also go to Sajid for his defensive prowess. Atleast twice he saved the team from near danger.

But why Bungo did not go for drivers was puzzling. The drizzle made the turf slippery and Majeed for sure would have found grounders difficult to handle.

Western Railway also had a chance. In a breakaway move, Pal outwitted Dubey and put a cross for Felix Joseph who, in a haste, headed wide. That8217;s the first time Yousuf Ansari was tested. The second time he let in.