By Minerva Academy FC Media

Mohali: Minerva Academy Football Club’s maiden 2nd Division I-League journey couldn’t be sweeter as the the team return to play their last match of the first round at home in Guru Nanak Stadium. But the sweetest of all is the fact that the ‘Pride of Punjab’ has already been crowned the Champions of the Western Conference even before they take on Kenkre FC on Tuesday at 2:00 PM.

Minerva Academy FC have played three back-to-back away matches and garnered 4 points from it following their four consecutive wins. The fantastic run of the Surinder Singh coached side made them the first team to seal a spot for the final round in both the Eastern and the Western Conference before re-writing many 2nd Division records in their debut season.

 

While four wins on a trot in debut is a record in itself, Minerva Academy FC also registered the Biggest Margin of Victory in the 2nd Division this season when they thrashed PIFA Sports 5-0 in Mumbai. The 5-0 win also gave them the distinction of registering Biggest Away Victory and Maximum Goals scored in a match.

 

Having scored 14 goals from 7 matches with still one to go tomorrow, MAFC holds the record of scoring the Most No. of Goals in the first round. The 2 goals conceded is also the Lowest Goal conceded by any team in the first round with the Goal Difference of the team standing at a mammoth 12 goals.

 

However all these figures are likely to improve on Tuesday, despite the hectic travelling schedule, as the boys are hungry for more and are always looking for an opportunity to prove their mettle. 

 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, club director Ranjit Bajaj was all excited. He pointed out the records the Minervans have set on their debut while once again thanking fans and well wishers for their love and support.

 

“As I have said earlier too, Minerva’s journey would haven’t be possible without your love and support. I am glad, fans have trusted us, stood by us and supported us. All that we have achieved is because of the fans and this is not the end. We are working hard to bring more glory and I am sure Minerva will be the face and identity of football in Punjab,” said Ranjit Bajaj.

 

Talking about the match tomorrow, coach Surinder Singh was at his usual best, elated but calm and composed. “We have already qualified and that too by setting many new records. Its a result of our hard work and we are not going to stop tomorrow. We will keep all these out of our mind when we are on the field tomorrow and take it as any other match. We play to win, thats it,” coach Surinder Singh said.

 

The match on Tuesday will be Minerva’s last match of the first round. Hence, fans in and around Ludhiana shouldn’t miss the opportunity of catching the Pride of Punjab in action.