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Minerva Academy FC travelled to Amritsar for their first away match in the Punjab Super League Second Division to face United Football Club at the GNDU football ground.
Minerva Academy FC skipper Anwar Ali was partnered by Karthik Bisht in the center of defence, while Nikhil Mali and Radhakanta occupied the flanks upfront. Shreyas VG, the man who scored the winner for Minerva Academy FC in their previous game against International FC, started through the centre, and the away team began with their usual 4-3-3 formation.
Yan Law’s team started the brighter with two early chances that could have given Minerva Academy FC the lead – both through the right boot of Sreyas. The striker netted the first but it was ruled out for offside, while he pulled the second shot wide.
It was evenly matched in the first half, with Minerva Academy FC enjoying the lion’s share of possession but neither team created any further clear-cut chances. It was 0-0 at the break.
Minerva Academy FC surprisingly started the second half poorly, with misplaced passes that could have given UFC the advantage. But the home team couldn’t capitalize on a spell of slack display from Minerva Academy FC, and neither team were able to boast of their dominance for most part of the second half.
Suraj Mallick, the man between the sticks for Minerva Academy FC, was a mere spectator for most of the game, but he was called into action late on in the 85th minute, where he was one-on-one with the United FC striker. The 20-year old made himself big and stretched out a leg to make a crucial save at a crucial juncture in the game.
And then came the match-winning moment for Minerva Academy FC. Lalrinchhana chipped the ball over the United FC defence for Sreyas to latch onto, and this time the striker’s right boot did manage to convert, as he slotted the ball calmly beyond the goalkeeper’s right in injury time.
The late goal proved to be a nail in the United FC coffin and was enough for Minerva Academy FC to bring home the three points. They now have two wins from their two games in the Punjab Super League Second Division.
Minerva Academy FC face Principal Harbhajan SA on January 13 at their home ground in Mohali.
