Women's Football League 2009-10      Father Agnel's (Red) v Father Agnel's (Blue)  Match Report by Shailesh Karkera In what amounted to an Agnel’s derby in the play-off opener, Fr. Agnel’s (Red) prevailed over their compatriots, Fr. Agnel’s (Blue) by a comprehensive 4-0 margin to take pole position in the post season standings and edge a step closer towards the Women’s Football League championship.   No preferential treatment After five wins on the trot, any doubts that the Reds would take it easy against the Blues were put to rest barely seconds from kick-off. With less than a minute played, the Reds went for the jugular - fleet-footed Sharon Fernandes’ out-foot strike went inches wide of the post and sent a clear indication of her team’s intentions coming into the tie. Blues defender Sucheeta Patil –outstanding throughout the course of the regular season – had been given the daunting task of marking Blanka Barretto, the Red’s ten-goal striker. Both players stepped up their game in an effort to get the upper edge over the other. Eventually Blanka emerged triumphant from the duel after playing a major role in the Reds going one up. Painful opener Chasing a through ball played up the pitch, Blanka’s blistering pace helped her beat the charging keeper Madhurima Naidu to the ball and the forward expertly looped the ball goal-wards. Following a painful clash of the two bodies at the edge of the box, Sharon Fernandes’ was rewarded with a tap-in to an open net. Goal! 1-0. Grace Rodrigues set up Blanka twice in as many minutes with defence splitting through balls however the forward dragged her shots well wide of the target. A goal in every game Blanka – the only player in the league to score in every single game this season – finally got on to the scoresheet in the 16th minute after a solo run from the halfway line. Her clinical finish left the keeper with no chance. Goal. 2-0. All of a sudden, the Blues created an impressive scoring opportunity at the other end. Giving a new meaning to the phrase, ‘out of the blue’, Blue’s forward Bhagyashree Swami caught the defence off guard with a powerful shot on goal which went marginally wide of the post – much to the relief of keeper Candice Fernandes in the fluorescent Red’s outfit.   Continued on page 2