MARGAO
Minerva Punjab registered a crushing 5-0 victory over Churchill Brothers colts in the Nike Premier Under-15 Youth League at SAG ground, Utorda on Wednesday.
Minerva Colts were well-organised in every department and dominated the proceedings. They opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Nameirakpam Ajitkumar Meetei managed to finish off an attacking move created by the Punjab side. Minerva were passing it around and they scored again in the 17th minute of the game. This time, it was Benjohnson Moirangthem Singh who got on the scorers list. Minerva were already leading 2-0 even before 20 minutes of the game, were played. Churchill Brothers had their own share of chances. Striker Aaron Rodrigues in particular, had a great goal-scoring opportunity but could not find the net. Mewan Shawn Dias also came close for Churchill as they were pushing to get back into the game. But their defence was porous and let them down.
Minerva enjoyed a 2-0 lead at the break. Leading 2-0, Minerva shuffled things up in the second half. The changes paid off with Arjun finding the net in the 58th minute with a snap shot. Churchill Brothers were struggling to catch the rival’s brisk pace. Arjun scored again in the 65th minute before Hemam Singh scored in the 80th minute.
Bengaluru FC also ran out winners in their game against SAI Guwahati thanks to a late goal by Francis Vanlaldika in the 83rd minute. SAI Guwahati were down to 10 men after Gopal Gorth picked up two yellow cards in the game. Yesterday, DSK Shivajians FC Pune inflicted humilating 9-0 defeat on Sports Authority of Gujarat Football Academy in Group D at Panchayat ground, Nagoa. The Pune outfit started the game with a bang and they were 1-0 up in no time. Bhuvanesh Rajesh Shendre found the net in the sixth minute of the game. The Pune team doubled the lead in the 12tth minute when Seigoumang Doungel put the Shivajians firmly in control of the game. With time running out, Shendre struck second time to register his brace in the 29th minute. Post-resumption, SAG brought in some fresh legs with Avinashkumar Yadav being replaced by Rahil Theba after 31 minutes of play. But they were under tremendous pressure and Ramesh Sushant Punia picked up a yellow card in the 38th minute.
