By Minerva Academy FC Media
KOLKATA: Minerva Academy FC registered a comfortable 2-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Barasat Stadium in the outskirt of Kolkata today in their Second Division League face off. Sehijpal Singh and Arshdeep Singh scored the goals for the Pride of Punjab as Lancine Toure pulled one back for the home side.
Both sides were desperate for the three points as they fielded a strong Starting eleven. Mohammedan Sporting Club were making a fresh start after being stripped off 3 points by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. Minerva, on the other hand, drew their first match against Neroca FC.
The visitors started the match with a lot of intensity compared to their opponent Mohammedan Sporting, who never got a firm grip on the match in the first half. Minerva’s attacking trio of Taranjit Singh, Atsushi Yonezawa and Arshdeep Singh created all sorts of problems for the Mohammedan defence right from the first whistle.
Minerva had to wait till the 28th minute to break the deadlock when the Mohammedan defence failed to clear Taranjit’s attempt on goal. The ball fell onto the path of an alert Sehijpal Singh, who made no mistake slotting the ball home.
The home side tried to issue an immediate response when left back Deepak’s left footed attempt ricocheted off the bar.
Minerva increased the lead in the 42nd minute when Taranjit’s low left footed cross found Arshdeep unmarked close to the near post, who calmly controlled the ball on his right foot to slot it pass the goalkeeper.
Arshdeep scored another stunning goal before the break but it was adjudged offside. Teams went into the break with the scoreline reading 2-0 in favour of the visiting team.
Mohammedan Sporting came out with all guns blazing after the break. They managed to pull a goal back just within three minutes after the restart under controversial circumstances.
Subrata Bhattacharya’s side increased the pressure on the Minerva defence as the half progressed but Minerva showed a lot of determination to weather the storm.
Kareem Omolaja Nurain and Arashpreet Singh were rock solid at the heart of the defence and never allowed James Moga to have a sniff at goal. Arashpreet was rightly adjudged the Man of The Match for his heroics.
The win takes Minerva to the Second position table just below Neroca FC. Both teams are tied on 4 points from 2 games but the Manipur outfit enjoys a one goal advantage to occupy the top spot.
Minerva Academy FC next play Gangtok Himalayan FC at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on April 7, 2016.
