Siddique nets winning goal

MUMBAI, JUNE 2: A lone goal in the dying minute by Salauddin Siddique helped Mumbai Port Trust beat Maharashtra State Police 1-0 in the q...

MUMBAI, JUNE 2: A lone goal in the dying minute by Salauddin Siddique helped Mumbai Port Trust beat Maharashtra State Police 1-0 in the quarter-final of the Bombay hockey championship at the Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate, today.

It was an exciting tussle. MPT, a promoted side, kept their superior opponents at bay right through the game. The young MPT side were also more enthusiatic and skilful.

MPT came up with the match-winning goal just when it seemed as though the game was leading to a barren draw and eventually to the tie-breaker.

The MPT player who did the spadework for the goal was Sameer Jada. Jada dribbled his way right from the centreline past a host of defenders and then released the ball to Siddique who was ideally placed deep in the MS Police defence. The pass caught MS Police goalkeeper Ramakant Karle on the wrong foot and Siddique easily tapped home the ball from close.

Mohammed Salim of MS Police was shown the red card for dangerous play by National umpire Blaise Monteiro.

BandraPackers advance

Bandra Packers defeated Hotel Centaur 1-0 in a pre-quarter-final encounter of the MDFA-conducted Air-India Trophy football tournament at the St Xavier8217;s ground, Parel, today.

Packers scored the all-important goal rather fortunately in the 25th minute. A goalmouth melee ensured following a corner taken by John Pinto. Clarie Remedious headed the ball goalwards and Roy Dias deflected the header home.

Story continues below this ad

In the second session, Centaur forwards tried hard to pierce the Packers8217; defence. But the Packers8217; defence, in which Altaf M Ansari stood like a rock, was calm and controlled.

Once when all seemed lost for Packers, Blaise Vessaokar brought off a goalline save for the Bandra side.

Packers also were unfortunate when it came to their attack. Attempts by the Packers8217; forwards were thwarted by Centaur custodian Bharat Pede who had a good match.

Bandra Packers now run into Chembur English in the quarter-finals, scheduled to be held on Saturday.