Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club (HASC) are just one win away from regaining the Super Division title after hammering Sports Authority of India (SAI) 6-1 at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Wednesday.
Striker Bimal Minz slotted three goals while Rajendra Prasad, Xavier Vijayakumar and Murali netted one apiece as HASC continued to stay on top of the table with 32 points from 12 outings.

Vishal Kumar found the consolation goal for SAI with a penalty spot-kick in the 74th minute.

Three more points are assured for the Aircraftmen through the walkover against Royals, and a victory against lowly Southern Blues in their final fixture next week will give them an unassailable lead.

The former champions were certainly not at their best despite shooting into the lead when the match was just four minutes old as Minz made the most out of a sloppy clearance by the SAI defence.

From the start, SAI were virtually outplayed in all departments. But they nearly rocked their fancied opponents when Sanju missed an open chance in the 19th minute.

HASC increased the lead when SAI custodian Razzaq did not move an inch as a 30-yard effort by Rajendra swerved into the left corner of the net.

Moments after the break, SAI were unlucky not to pull one back when Amarnath shot rattled the right post.
Nine minutes into the second session, Minz scored his second goal when a Xavier attempt on goal slipped out of Razzaq’s palms.

The Jharkhandi netted his third goal in the 63rd minute, this time off an in-swinging Xavier corner-kick, to make it 4-0. In the 65th minute, Xavier was involved in a brilliant solo effort, but his shot flew over the bar. Two minutes later, he made amends with a splendid goal after a one-two with Ragui Singh.

The last nail in SAI’s coffin came with Murali touching in an angled drive by Xavier in injury time.

Other result: ‘A’ Division: Dharmaraja Union: 2 (Mahesh 30th, Sam 66th) bt SWRI: 0.

Thursday’s matches: ‘A’ Division: RWF vs Universal (1.45 pm); Super Division: ASC vs ADE (3.45 pm).