Kerala sail on Pradeep brace

Turning out for his state Kerala, Pradeep struck twice to steer his side to a comfortable 3-1 win over neighbours Tamil Nadu in their first match of the quarter final league.

Kerala coach K Bharathan surprised Tamil Nadu by fielding Pradeep as an attacking mid fielder instead of in his regular defence duty. The 24-year-old along with skipper Abdul Hakim started tormenting Tamil Nadu defence from the word go.

Expectedly, Kerela went into the lead after Abdul Nausad tapped in a cross from R Rajesh in the 24th minute, but Tamil Nadu equalised through India international Kulothungan before the half time.

Backed by a vociferous crowd, Kerala started shifting gears early in the second half. The scorching pace of Pradeep was proving too hot to handle for Tamil Nadu defenders Ravanan and Mohan Raj.

And it was a brace from Pradeep that finally put the match beyond Tamil Nadu. The first strike came through a brilliant header on a free kick from Rajesh in the 50th minute. The timing of the jump made sure that the goalkeeper remained a mute witness as the ball sailed into the left corner of the netting.

Pradeep bettered the first strike with a solo effort in the 82 minute. After collecting a pass from Hakim, Pradeep dribbled past Tami Nadu skipper Anthony Arulsamy and then completely outpaced Mohanraj to fire a rasping shot to the right post. A diving Satish Kumar could just manage a hand to it but certainly that was not enough.

8220;The coach gave me a free hand so I wanted to make the most of it,8221; Pradeep told The Indian Express after the match.

And he is no exception to the ever-growing Houghton fan club. 8220;The fitness programme and weight-training that I have undergone under Houghton has really helped to add that extra yard of pace. So this is a place for me to use all the tricks that I have learnt at the national camp,8221; he added.

Coach K Bharthan was, of course, not complaining. 8220;I am pleased with my team. They attacked through out the match. And that is the way to go about. We are here to entertain people and we will do that with our brand of soccer,8221; he said .

As far as the entertainment quotient is concerned this certainly was the best match of the tournament so far.