UBI push forward
Late in the first half, Union Bank had more two glorious opportunities to find an equalizer. Pranay Daniel’s trademark solo run took him past three players on the left wing before he unleashed a powerful shot after cutting into the box which forced an equally impressive save by the keeper.
After a penalty protest was turned down by the referee in the closing minutes of the half, an unmarked Saad Ansari could have pulled UBI level with an opportunity from ten yards out. The striker made an absolute meal of the effort and blasted over - much to the evident disappointment on the UBI bench.
Howler!
UBI should have pulled level as the second half kicked off following a quick break which saw Lineker play a beautiful through ball into the box. With the Kenkre defense completely beaten thanks to a dummy by Saad, strike partner Tarique’s scuffed attempt from six yards
out in front of an unguarded net went horribly wide.
Two-Nothing
Both teams played a fast game with a lot of emphasis on the flanks but found it difficult to hold on to possession for long periods. Eventually Union Bank’s scoring woes came back to haunt them when Akash Jadhav – playing a make-shift midfielder’s role - doubled his team’s advantage in the 72nd minute.
His thirty yard on-the-turn shot sailed a good twenty five yards before crashing into the top corner of the net to put the result well beyond UBI’s reach. Goal! 2-0.
No coming back
Eight minutes later, second half sub Grenville Murzello added Kenkre’s third with a clinical finish from close range to end any hopes of a comeback. The striker - nursing a niggling injury - beat the keeper to a loose ball and emphatically thumped it into the roof of the net. Goal! 3-0.
Final Whistle
At full-time, the final score-line of 3-0 made for a flattering prospect for a game which could have arguably gone either way in the end. Kenkre’s victory consolidates their position at the apex of the Elite Divison standings with four points between them and their nearest contenders.
For UBI, still looking for their elusive first win in the league and currently perched at the edge of the relegation zone, the next few fixtures can either make or break their season.
