Sports Authority of India Training Centre (STC), Bangalore, scored once in each half to down STC, Calicut, 2-0 and maintain their unbeaten run in the SAI South Zone inter-hostel football tournament at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Wednesday.
Defender Shiva Kumar K and forward Raghavendra found the target in contrasting styles for Bangalore, who will play the same opponents in the final on Friday. Calicut had ensured their place in the final after a draw between Kurnool and Kollam earlier in the day, making their clash against Bangalore inconsequential. But the teams fielded their best XI to start with.
Bangalore made a tentative start but lifted their game after the first quarter to create some opportunities. On the other hand, the forwardline seemed to be the weakest link in the Calicut armoury as they struggled to finish off some good work by the midfield.
Skipper Kenneth created most of the Bangalore moves from the left flank. Calicut custodian Shahin Lal M stretched fully to tip away a longranger from Karthick and then Calicut replied through Shibin Lal, whose attempt in the 18th minute was kept out by goalkeeper Dada Farid Khan.
Shiva strikes
Shiva Kumar then brought joy to the Bangalore camp with a headed goal in the 35th minute, shortly before the half-time whistle.
Calicut increased the pace of their play in the second half, but Bangalore defenders Shiva Kumar N, Shiva Kumar K and Aiyappa combined well to thwart their moves. Bangalore then struck again in the final minute, with Raghavendra finishing off a breakaway effort with a powerful right-footer.
In the penultimate league tie, Kurnool, needing an outright win against Kollam to stay in contention, conceded the lead when Samson Koshy struck in the 65th minute. They restored parity five minutes later through D Shekar.