RWF edge Students Union
An early strike by Naveen Babu helped Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) down Students Union 1-0 in the BDFA Super Division League at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday.
Students Union could have walked away with at least a point but for poor finishing by Tong Nong and later, Bharath, who replaced Nong in the 58th minute.
Both RWF and Students Union now have three points from two matches.
RWF had lost to Army Service Corps 1-2 in their first tie, while Students Union edged Department of Youth Services and Sports 2-1 in the lung-opener.
RWF started off promisingly and shot into lead in the seventh minute, with Naveen slotting home from inside the box off a Kavi Arasu pass from the right wing.
RWF maintained the pressure and dominated the proceedings and Arasu came close to scoring in the 25th minute. But his long-ranger was tipped over by Students Union custodian Thomas.
Students Union brought in midfielder Vikram for Sajesh in the 33rd minute. Nong missed an easy chance in the 35th minute as he shot straight at RWF goalkeeper Dilip Kumar from inside the penalty area.
Students Union took control of the match for the rest of the first half, but the equaliser still eluded them.
Dinesh’s flick went inches off the target in the 40th, while the right post denied him the very next minute.
On resumption, Students Union attacked with renewed vigour. In the 67th minute, Bharath missed from close range and six minutes later the substitute failed to convert again with only the goalkeeper to beat.
A largely pro-Students Union crowd booed the RWF players accusing them of time-wasting tactics and vented their frustration at referee Edwin George during the final minutes. However, the Students Union players had none to blame except themselves for returning empty handed.
Earlier, SAI and AGORC played out a 1-1 draw in the ‘A’ Division.
Sudarshan put SAI ahead in the 30th minute, while Santosh equalised seven minutes later.
Sunday’s matches: ‘A’ Division: BUFC vs Bangalore Kickers, 1 pm.
Super Division: HAL vs MEG, 3 pm
