Patil levels it for MLI

The first-half began with Central Excise dominating the game with their forwardline tormenting the MLI defence. Anup Anthony and Vivek Ramakrishna were creating all sorts of problems with their one-twos and both came close to netting on a few occasions.

The relentless attack resulted in a goal in the 7th minute through Nilesh KA who tapped in a well- placed pass from Vivek Ramakrishna. The goal spurred on Central Excise further as
they kept testing MLI with Mandanna PM trying to hit the target twice without success.
Central Excise also won a penalty-corner in the 11th minute which they couldn’t convert.

MLI counter-attacked with Krishna Patil’s blistering runs through the right flank creating themselves a few opportunities. Ganesh and Praful Kirketta were served up with some good passes from Kumbhar and Sravan but they failed to capitalise on half chances.

MLI got four penalty corners in the first half but Central Excise’s Arvind Jerome was brilliant while making three great saves while one went wide. That was all that MLI could muster as they went into the break trailing 0-1 with a lot of work ahead of them.

The second half belonged to MLI as they had greater ball possession and controlled the field pretty well. With a series of attacks building up, it was only a matter of time before the Infantrymen got their due.

 That came from Ganesh who struck in the 65th minute after a perfect pass from Ajay Lakra. With 5 minutes to go, both teams went for the kill with MLI’s Krishna coming up with one genuine chance which however went abegging.

Result: Central Excise: 1 (Nilesh KA 7th) drew MLI: 1 (Ganesh Patil 46th); HT: 1-0.