Sloppy Army Red down MLI

Malak, Hardeep strike two apiece as Namdhari thump Army Green 6-1

In a match that bordered on the ordinary for most part with both teams engaged in a midfield tussle, S Ali, Jerum and MC Singh were on target for Army Red as the dark horses notched up their fourth victory from as many matches at the KSHA stadium.
Although they are yet to clash against the big guns, Army Red now sit pretty with 12 points and, impressively, have scored 21 goals and conceded just one while MLI are stuck on one point from five matches.

For all their good show until now, Army Red looked somewhat off colour and lacked the required flair as they have shown in good measure in their earlier victories. They had the better share of opportunities, but often missed simple chances in pursuit of flamboyance that resulted in surrendering the possession.

Army Red could have marched into the lead within seconds of kick-off when captain CS Xalxo sent a brilliant defence-splitting cross from the midfield into the circle. But, MC Singh, unmarked and with enough space to fire, tried one dribble too many before shooting out. The error set the tone for a sloppy contest as Army Red and MLI kept losing the ball without much control.

However, two goals in two minutes towards the end of the first half and one in the early minutes after resumption from Army Red injected some fresh life.

S Ali made a fine run down the left flank, dribbled past three defenders and finished brilliantly by slotting the ball past MLI goalkeeper Palaksha in the 27th minute.
In the 29th minute, after a series of interchanges around the striking circle, MC Singh released the ball to a waiting Jerum and the midfielder made no mistake with the simple tap-in.

Two minutes into the second half, MC Singh added one to his name after which the contest switched back to the mundane routine with Army Red secure in knowledge of a certain win.

Results: Army Red: 3 (S Ali 27th, Jerum 29th, MC Singh 36th) bt MLI: 0; Namdhari XI: 6 (Malak Singh 12th, 60th, Hardeep Singh 16th, 50th, Balwinder Singh 53rd, Gurmail Singh 68th) bt Army Green: 1 (Arun Kumar 31st).