Indrayani, Pune Police move into second round

Pune, Feb 19 (UNI) A brilliant brace by winger Shiv Prasad Mudliar helped Indrayani XI whip K P XI 4-1 in a one-sided tie and made the second round in the All India Abhijit Kadam Memorial Soccer tournament here today.

Making their intentions clear, the fast moving Indrayani lads drew the first blood in the very first minute via the solo efforts of centre forward Abhijit Mudliar who, after weaving past a host of defenders, found the net with an angular drive that beat the rival custodian hands down.

Dominating the proceedings with a cohesive game, Shiv Prasad increased the lead on the change-over, capitalising on the fine opening by Manoj Balakrishnan in the 45th minute to increase the lead 2-0. Shiv Prasad then struck after breaking through the rival defence with a solo burst to find the mark in the 65th minute and completed his brace.

Earlier K P XI, who took time to settle down, came into their own and often broke through the rival defence. In one of the move initiated by frontliner Jijo Philips, Indrayani custodian Sunil Kute brought Philips down in the box with a rough tackle and referee Joe Pereira had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Nitin More made no mistake with the spot kick award in the 42nd minute to level the score 1-1.

In between winger Kumar Balakrishnan scored from a Manoj Balakrishnan pass to net the third goal for Indrayani XI.

Meanwhile, Pune Police posted a facile win over Krida Probhodini in the inaugural match played late last evening. Pune Police proved that experience was the key to success when they came into their own before sniffing out the challenge of Kreeda Prabhodini 2-0 and also entered the second round.

Man of the match Bapu Raikar played a pivotal role in the match with his passes on both the occasions. Raju Kadam scored the first gaol in the 63rd minute while Sharad Patil scored the second in the 67th minute.

The tournament was inaugurated yesterday by Board of Control for Cricket in India vice president Rajeev Shukla.

UNI