Despite being caught offside on a number of occasions with the hosts playing a high line of defense, Pune FC didn’t lose focus and almost broke the deadlock in the dying moments of the first half
The Goan Network
Panaji
Pune FC were held to a goalless draw by arch-rivals Mumbai FC in a top-of-the-table U15 Youth League clash at the Cooperage Ground in Mumbai on Sunday.
Having shared spoils in this fifth round battle between the most consistent sides in the Maharashtra Zone, both teams took their tally to 13 points each. However, with a much superior goal difference, Pune FC (GD +20) continue to lead the standings ahead of Mumbai FC (GD +10).
Playing with a depleted squad, Pune FC began the game confidently. In the opening quarter they went close through Gulam Ansari and Cladeo Nongpluh but the Mumbai FC defense stayed firm. They did not allow their rivals to breach their defence.At the other end, the hosts too had a few close attacks but all those attempts were thwarted away by Pune FC custodian Muhammed Shahad, who proved his worth under the bar with some stunning saves.
Despite being caught offside on a number of occasions with the hosts playing a high line of defense, Pune FC didn’t lose focus and almost broke the deadlock in the dying moments of the first half.
Winger Mozaffar Ali did well get into space and lob the advanced Mumbai FC custodian but the effort ended up in the side netting as both sides went into the breather tied at goalless.
The second half too began on a promising note with attackers at both ends trying their best to break the stalemate but to no avail. Credit must be given to the last line of defence for Mumbai and Pune as goalkeepers risked all odds to ensure that the slate was kept clean.
In the end it was a goalless draw as teams split points to go home realising that they could have done better and got the scoreboard moving. Thrills were there but somehow the young legs could not produce a result in what otherwise was an entertaining draw to say the least.
Pune would be satisfied that they maintain the lead at the top and Mumbai follow them with an inferior goal difference.
