It seems as if the script of Manchester United’s start to the season has also got Mahindra United into the loop. Called the Indian “Red Devils”, they have been on the loosing side of the game in their start to the season. The 2008 Durand Cup winners found it tough to retain their stint against the finalist of that tournament -Churchill Brothers and failed to retain their dominance on home turf loosing to newbie’s Chirag United.
The first match against Churchill Brothers was one of the worst performances put by a squad that boasts of national team players. Coach Derrick Pereira said, “We have to improve our game plan and connect our passes and capitalize on the chances that come our way, which we didn’t.” With the transfer saga of Steven Dias and NP.Pradeep put to rest, the team hoped to see a stand-out performance from India’s star players but lack of match practice saw them struggle in the game as well. “They haven’t played any games after the AFC Cup and that’s one reason for their lack of form.” explained the United coach.
The home game for Mahindra United was a perfect chance to gather some confidence into a shaky start to season. The ‘Cooperage’ played host to Chirag United and a houseful crowd made a good contest between one of the strongest team in the league against the newly promoted Chirag United. The first half was dominated by the “Red Devils” and a Sushil Kumar Singh goal put the home team ahead. Chirags’ coach was seen marching down the sidelines often, than his players who failed to connect their passes. Hardeep Singh, who was Chirag’s hero in the last match, took the field before the second-half of play. A gamble which helped Chirag gain control of the game.
After the lemon break, Chirag United came in determined to give in more than just a fight. With better work- rate by most Chirag players, they found the net three times in the second half. And one Hardeep Singh was truly the “King”. Trashing Mahindra United 3-1 on home turf will do a world of good for the considered babies of the I-League.
The first match against Churchill Brothers was one of the worst performances put by a squad that boasts of national team players. Coach Derrick Pereira said, “We have to improve our game plan and connect our passes and capitalize on the chances that come our way, which we didn’t.” With the transfer saga of Steven Dias and NP.Pradeep put to rest, the team hoped to see a stand-out performance from India’s star players but lack of match practice saw them struggle in the game as well. “They haven’t played any games after the AFC Cup and that’s one reason for their lack of form.” explained the United coach.
The home game for Mahindra United was a perfect chance to gather some confidence into a shaky start to season. The ‘Cooperage’ played host to Chirag United and a houseful crowd made a good contest between one of the strongest team in the league against the newly promoted Chirag United. The first half was dominated by the “Red Devils” and a Sushil Kumar Singh goal put the home team ahead. Chirags’ coach was seen marching down the sidelines often, than his players who failed to connect their passes. Hardeep Singh, who was Chirag’s hero in the last match, took the field before the second-half of play. A gamble which helped Chirag gain control of the game.
After the lemon break, Chirag United came in determined to give in more than just a fight. With better work- rate by most Chirag players, they found the net three times in the second half. And one Hardeep Singh was truly the “King”. Trashing Mahindra United 3-1 on home turf will do a world of good for the considered babies of the I-League.
Natasha D'souza.
