Mahindra move to semis at Mohameddan's expense

Kolkata, Dec 22 (UNI) Mahindra United dug deep into the injury to shore up a winner to down a spirited Mohameddan Sporting 2-1 in the 28th Federation Cup here today.

An explosive game of soccer was on view on the turf as Subhash Bhowmick showed why he is still one of the best thinktanks of the country, keeping Mahindra United at bay till the very end.

The first half began with a positive Mohammedan Sporting passing well between each other and not letting the Mumbai team settle down.

Midfield was wonderfully controlled by a flawless Noel Wilson whose shot went dangerously past the post in the 24th minute.

The greatness of any team is time and again proved at the time of adversity. The IFA Shield winners did just that in the second half.

It was a different Mahindra United side as they hardly lost the possession of the ball.

L James Singh's brilliant shot curved and hit the cross bar in the 52nd minute to give life to the Kolkata club. They were given a second life when Manjit Singh missed a sitter after custodian Arindom Ghosh lost the ball and was nowhere to be seen near the post.

The introduction of Jamir Ali Mondal put some life into a tiring Mohammedan Sporting side. He, however, squandered a chance that could have eventually won them the match.

Mahindras drew first blood right at the 90th minute when Manjit's long ranger finally hit the target. But the stunned crowd errupted again when Habibur Rahman managed to restore parity.

Receiving the Jatin Bisht through brilliantly, he turned and volleyed acrobatically to send the ball at the back of the net.

But that was not the end, Mahindras, characteristically, came back and in the very next attack, Yusif Yakubu headed in a Manjit cross to seal the fate of the match.

UNI BA SJC DH HT1937