By Minerva Academy FC Media
LUDHIANA: Minerva Academy FC registered a convincing 2-0 victory over Kenkre FC in Ludhiana on Tuesday to end their 2nd Division I-League First Round campaign on a high. Manvir Singh scored a brace to help Minerva Academy FC earn another three points to take the team’s tally to 19 from the possible 24.
With the 5-0 victory over PIFA Sports still fresh in mind, the Minervans took the field without Aji Demenenge, who is out with a suspension. Despite that, the Minervans attacked from the word go and right away unsettled the opponents.
With the vociferous fans backing this time, the Pride of Punjab took only 9 minutes to found the back of the net when Manvir Singh beautifully placed the ball pass the Kenkre goalkeeper.
Just a minute later, Manvir could have doubled the lead had he been little faster. Amandeep dodged two defenders and send in a beautiful cross from the right, but Manvir who was free, couldn’t reached for the ball.
However, it didn’t take Manvir much time to make amends as he came up with a scorcher from the edge of the box to make it 2-0 in the 15th minute of the match.
Despite the two goals lead, Minervans continued with their attacking brand of play and came close to scoring on three more occasions before the half time while the visitors were restricted to their own half barring the free-kick they got in the 27 minute.
Arshdeep came up with another solo effort from the right, out pacing one before dodging another one. He then took a beautiful shot to force the Kenkre goalkeeper to make a diving save. That was the home side’s last attempt before the half time, as they went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
The second half started in the same way with the home side looking for more goals. The introduction of Dilliram injected more pace and attacking instinct into the team. Hosts of attacks followed with some good chances but the Kenkre defenders stood tall to their duty and avoided further casualties.
The win today took Minerva’s wining tally to six out of eight matches. The remaining two ended in a draw and a loss. The six wins is the highest registered by any team from both the Eastern and the Western Conference.
The team will now go into break for few days and will look to upgrade the squad in the Winter Transfer window before the boys return to start preparation for the final round.
Meanwhile, Minerva Academy FC will be conducting a 12-day coaching camp titled “The Taste of I-League” from 14th of January. Interested candidates are requested to contact the club at 08728089819.
