Mahindras keeps winning momentum

By A Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, JAN. 7. Mahindra and Mahindra sustained the momentum it had gained on Sunday against Dempo and defeated Jagatjit Cotton and Textiles Mills 2-1 at the Cooperage ground, here, in the fourth National Football League, sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Satish Minz's goal in the second minute put the Mumbai side in the right frame of mind for its second win a row. Mahindras now have nine points from six games. But Mahindras cast away the advantage in the 27th minute when right stopper Christopher headed a cross into the path of JCT right linkman Hardip Saini. The latter promptly drove along the ground from 30 yards to the far corner of the goal.

But neither team had the edge in the first half. This was largely due to the below-par show of the two midfields. Indeed, the long pass only exposed poor control of the rivals. Threats to the goals were virtually absent.

Mahindras' latest Jordanian import, international Bassam Khatib, and Mohammed Najeeb did not jell, with the former being mostly static. But the advent of the other Jordanian, Sameer Jameel, for the last half an hour helped Mahindras force its rivals back on its heels. Jameel linked well with colleagues, accepted the ball and brought order into attack.

Jameel's good direction looked to be going waste, as Mahindras seemed too intent on moving forward and letting its rivals pack the penalty area and the vicinity with seven defenders. JCT managed to scramble the ball away.

Four minutes from the end, Mahindras finally got the ball from the flank behind the rival defence into the box and the winning goal. Substitute Abhay Kumar surged down the right and lifted the ball over the JCT defence to the top of the goal area for Khatib to come charging in, jump and head down into the goal.

JCT has eight points from six games and next plays FC Kochin away. Mahindras meets State Bank of Travancore in Mumbai next Monday.

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Section  : Sport
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