Magendran nets winner

The first half was played with a lot of purpose as both teams had almost an equal number of opportunities. Delhi Blues combined well for a good measure and made deep inroads to unsettle the Indian Bank defence through medios Vivek Sharma and Abhijoy Basu. Even the nippy Vimal Thapa and Dharmendra Kharola failed to utilise the opportunities that came their way.

Fortunately, Indian Bank defence withstood the pressure and, undeterred by their opponents’ tactics, their forwards matched in attacks with worthwhile moves. However, Delhi Blues’ defence returned the compliment, gallantly thwarting the onslaughts midway through the session when Anandrajan, Nazar and Amal Raj unleashed some scorching shots. Thapa, in particular, was fleet-footted on this day as he forced Indian Bank defence press the panic button with his sharp shooting. But on a couple of occasions the band defender Fatai Dagama came in his way. The change of end brought the fortune back to Indian Bank camp. Captalising on the chance, Hamilton sent in a dipping corner kick. All Magendran nedded to do was to give direction to the ball. That he did in great style as he trapped the ball and tapped home.

The remaining period saw some good game from Delhi Blues with Thapa and Sanjeev Sharma making all-out efforts to find an equaliser but Indian Bank sailed through to safety.