New Delhi: Air India recorded their first victory in the second phase of the I-League and thus relieves some pressure of their backs as they beat Vasco SC 1-0 at the Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai.
The win takes Air India to eighth spot, level on points with Dempo SC but behind on goa difference. The points don’t matter for Vasco SC as they have already been relegated.
The first real action came in the 19th minute when two Vasco players combined to almost score an own goal but were saved from embarrassment thanks to the alertness of their custodian Milagrio Mederia.
Soccor Velho feed Surojit Roy in a counterattack but the latter’s shot went wide. Around the half hour mark, Menino Fernandes’ long ranger from the left produced a save from Air India goalkeeper Arup Debnath.
The play was restricted to the midfield. Air India seemed content in putting the ball into the opposition’s half and would often lose possession. Aimless play was its best and it was the surely the worst games to be played at Cooperage, giving the Mahindra United – JCT game a run for their money.
Just at the stroke of half time, Soccor Velho’s cross from the right into the box saw an onrushing Surojit Roy miss the header. Air India did start the second session on a bright note as they looked to move the ball forward. Surojit Roy’s effort from 25 yards saw Vasco goalkeeper Milagrio Medeira punch it for a corner.
A Ravinder Singh cornerkick ended with Michael Tayo attempting a bicycle kick. Subhash Singh also had his chances but was denied by the sturdiness of Milagrio Medeira.
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Gauranga Biswas’ cross into the box was headed by Emmanuel Ovieghara towards Subhash Singh whose left footer found the back of the net.
The goal didn’t change the proceedings of the match as both teams continued to play without a purpose. The defences just cleared the ball for a throw-in, the midfielders showed their mastery at mispasses and much more.
Goalscorer Air India: Subhash Singh
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