Minerva begin campaign on winning note

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 22

Minerva Academy Football Club opened their account with a win in the Hero I-league (2nd Division). Minerva defeated Kenkre FC at Cooperage Ground, Mumbai, 2-0. Harpreet Bedi and skipper Simranjeet Singh scored a goal each for Minerva. Both teams started playing on a cautious note. After 20 minutes of play, Minerva strikers initiated a brilliant attack but it was turned futile by the Kenkre’s defence.

Reverting back, Kenkre’s Mukeieen made a surprising move and sounded the alert. After a goalless first half, both teams again started on a positive note and initiated some good attacks.

After a few minutes of play, Bala Dahir Alhassan brilliantly passed his midfield counterpart Manvir Singh, who hit a brilliant shot to Kenkre’s goal post. However, active Shayaz Khan again held the ball in his hands. In the 61st minute, skipper Simranjeet found Prabhjot Singh alone in the Kenkre’s penalty area and with no hesitation passed him the ball. However, the receiver was brought down by the Kenkre’s defender, which resulted in a penalty kick for Minerva.

Left back Harpreet Bedi slotted the ball home in the 61st minute to make it 1-0 in the Minerva’s favour. Just after nine minutes, Bala Alhassan displayed a perfect combination with Manvir Singh. Getting a positive feed from his counterparts, skipper Simranjeet score the goal, making it 2-0. Minerva will now face Lone Star Kashmir at Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana, on the November 29.

With this win, Minerva Academy FC top the points table and are ahead of Dempo FC, who is the most successful team in the history of the tournament.