Air India downs JCT Mills, lifts Mayor's Cup

Aurangabad, Sep 17 (UNI) Riding on skipper Paresh Shivalkar's brace, Air India (Mumbai) today lifted the Mayor's Cup defeating JCT Mills (Phagwara) 2-0 in the final at the MGM ground here this evening.

Air India dominated the proceedings throughout the match.

Led from the front by Paresh, Air India forwards mounted pressure on the rival defence right from the beginning.

Paresh once again showed tremendous ball control and looked like he was about to score everytime he made a move, but was unlucky to miss some potential good shots.

Paresh's efforts paid off in the second half when he gave his team the all-important lead following a goalmouth melee in the 51st minute.

The lanky Air India skipper did the trick again in the 75th minute when he converted a superb pass from the substitute player Bashiru Abass to seal the fate of JCT Mills (2-0).

Today's two goals took Paresh's tally to six goals in the tournament, the highest by any footballer. After the final, BJP leader Gopinath Munde and former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay gave away the prizes at a glittering function.

UNI MPJ WD AY RS2007