United they fail to breach W Rly

Things have changed in the last three months for the Kandivli-based side. New name, new coach, new jersey and hosts of new players. True to that old saying more things change more it remains the same.

To begin with, the writing was on the wall from the kick-off. Coach Shabbir Ali wanted to use Raman Vijayan’s heading prowess to the hilt. Fine. Crosses from the flanks and Vijayan will win aerial duels. Then why a genuine winger like Abbas Ali Rizvi be allowed to play behind Najeeb and Raman Vijyan? For once, Rizvi managed to make a searing run down the right and sent a measured cross for Vijayan but it missed the target by a whisker. Woodwork also compounded to Mahindra’s plight. A Vijayan header and Bernard’s two rasping volleys hit the post. But then these things are redundant compared to the way Western Railway defended. They just allowed their opponents to fade away. It was worth seeing their defensive prowess.

Lastly a message to Mahindra captain Aqueel Ansari. Take Raman Vijyan to the Madanpura ground and show him those kids how they trap the ball.