Ajayan brings down Churchill's citadel

By Our Special Correspondent

PONDICHERRY, JUNE 6. Newcomer K. Ajayan's first note of aggression in the 70th minute proved to be decisive as he sent the ball streaking through a maze of legs to give SBT, Thiruvananthapuram a 1-0 win over the famed Churchill Brothers, Goa in the first quarterfinals league match on Tuesday in the Pondicherry Millennium all-India invitation football tournament.

Considering the reputation of the National league teams, one being a runner-up (Churchill), the Indira Gandhi complex had a better attendance. The exhibition, too, was not disappointing as both sides went all out and played a fast game. Only the stiff breeze conditions made the ball control a difficult task. That affected the drama at the goalmouth and in a way marred the proceedings a trifle.

In fact as pressure mounted with none scoring, few players of both sides tended to show the rough side of play, but not everyone escaped Referee K. Shankar's watchful eyes. V. Vinay Kumar, K. Shaji, Abdul Hakim (all SBT), Mir Hyder Farouque and Rockey Barreto (both Churchill) paid the price with yellow card bookings.

Churchill did not deserve to lose on the day. The team had entered the field under pressure of having to safeguard its reputation. Perhaps that was the reason behind its strategy to attack. With Noel Wilson and Rockey Barreto making the spade work from the middle and some clever running by Uday Konar, who certainly delighted with his speed and footwork, Churchill appeared on course. But then two close moments in the early phase when SBT striker V.P. Shaji tested Palha under the bar tended to bring caution into Churchill's approach. With the defence of both sides putting up stiff resistance and the movements at a frenetic pace what was missed was a note of accuracy.

The change of ends did not change the trend though Churchill by inducting Jose Colaco brought an exciting shift to its attacking policy. Jose was quick in taking snap long rangers and gave early indication to SBT goalkeeper Rajeev. Noel, too, chipped in with a brilliant 25-yarder which would have entered the goal but for Rajeev's alertness.

Minutes later Rajeev stopped a blinder from Francis Silveira before negotiating a Baretto floater and things truly hotted up at the SBT end.

The swing came dramatically from a counter raid as Abdul Hakim progressed to the far side and centered. Sunny came in the way, but proved a blessing in disguise for he only helped the ball to spill over to the unmarked Ajayan and that was it, a stiff rightfooter shocking the Goan team. Churchill made every effort to catch up. Konar looked unstoppable, Baretto stole in repeatedly and Noel was in handy position always. But Jiju Jacob and co in SBT defence proved unyielding. Infact, in the end stages it was Churchill citadel which survived a Shaji blast from 30 yards.

Wednesday's match (quarterfinals league): SBT Thiruvananthapuram vs Army XI , 6.15 p.m.

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Section  : Sport
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