Phoenix SC advance

PUNE, Jan 28: Phoenix SC emerged victors with a lone goal over NDA Youth Club B’ to make it to the second round of the late Vasantrao Deshpande Memorial football tournament organised by Friends XI that is being played at the New English School ground. Both outfits comprising of young players dished out a rather mediocre game. The lack of exposure and experience showed up many times, in midfield as well as at the rival goals.

Right from kick off both teams made a mad scramble for the ball, trying to get an early breakthrough. The NDA Youth Club’s forward line formed by Ranjit Singh, Akshay Sharma and Ajay Selvan made an array of moves and on several occasions even came very near to scoring. However the all important finish was lacking. A handful of worthwhile attempts taken at the goal were well thwarted by Phoenix custodian Ajay Natu. At the other end the story was no different. Phoenix, spearheaded by Rohan Pai, Shantanu Narke and Kunal Tembawkar did a good job in keeping the rival defence on their toes.

The only goal of the match, scored by Phoenix, came about when Kunal T approached the goal with the ball and seeing Siddharth Pawar in the clear passed on to him. Siddharth took a first time grounded attempt which even slowed down of a deflection. Clumsiness on part of the keeper Paneer Selvan saw them concede the goal. Getting into a squatting position to collect the grounded shot his collection with butterfingers failed to stop the ball which rolled in past his legs.

Today’s fixtures: 4.45 p.m.: Knights XI vs Erin Nagarwala SC.