Prayag United’s Ranti Martins
downs USFC
A solitary goal claimed by
Ranti Martins, coupled with United Sikkim’s poor run surely renders the rest of
the contest a formality. The Goan club made heavy weather of holding at bay the
USFC who felt aggrieved they had nothing to show for their defiant endeavors.
Ranti Martins, who shattered
USFC in their yard on November 10th last year with his five goals in
10-1 victory, destroyed the failing USFC at home too today, though this time it
was only one.
The home team dominated the
first half in terms of possession, and they were rewarded many opportunities
but they have not been able to find the net since last three games.
While it looked like the lions
were finding an equalizer after the break, and went close on a couple of
occasions through Pablo Rodriguez
and Nurudeen Salau, the home team was unable to level the game and score
what would have been a crucial point and relief.
Backed by a fervent home
support, USFC were quick out of the blocks, and after conceding a goal in the
25th minute, the pressure shifted back to the home side.
Prayag United were struggling
to get on the ball early on as the hosts sprayed it around confidently, with Linekar
Machado pulling the strings in midfield and Salao threatening down the
right-hand side. The individual battle between Martins and Anwar Ali had all
the makings of a pivotal contest.
The two teams started on the
offensive, looking to gain an early advantage. However, an alert defense
stopped Lalkamal Bhowmick from testing USFC`s goal keeper, Rakshit Pawar in
goal, while a poor first touch often let down United Sikkim’s two forwards,
when they got into a dangerous areas.
The home team`s only sight of
goal during the game saw Salau get away from Machado on the edge of the penalty
box, but as the striker shaped to shoot, the defenders didn’t provide any space
and saw it run out of play. Machado, who had been a peripheral figure for much
of the first half, did well to win the possession and as he fed Salau just
inside the box, the Nigerian’s shot, which looked destined for the back of the
net, was somehow clawed away by Subrata Paul.
In truth, it has been a
disappointing display by the forwards of the home team, and there was plenty
for Nathan Hall to mull over at the break.
While the home team was relying
on counter attacks in a bid to get back into the game, attacks were continually
breaking down, largely due to a combination of resolute defending from Prayag
United side and a poor final ball from United Sikkim.
Machado, Ashish and Pablo
exchanged passes wide on the left, and as the midfielder sent a hopeful cross
into the box, did well to head it into
the path of Salao who fired inches over the bar.
Six minutes of added time were
signaled, but the snow lions were unable to profit from the possession, and in
the dying minutes when it looked like the side had chances they didn’t manage
to find the net with the Prayag united defenders clearing away the ball
everytime.
The snow lions will have to
win all the remaining matches and expect some miracles if they are to survive
in the I-league after Ranti Martins’ goal on the 25th minute proved
the difference between the two sides at the Paljor Stadium.
“I am very happy with our
performance except the outcome which is very disappointing”, said the USFC
Manager Nathan Hall who is yet to win a game with this club.
It will take a big performance
in front of the home supporters to win the next game against Air India on 27th
but having put pressure on bigger opponents in the past, the players will feel hopeful
of upsetting Air India in Paljor Stadium.
No comments:
Post a Comment