Title - NF Railway SC suffer first defeat

GUWAHATI – It was a real thriller as Dynamo made a spirited fightback to beat NF Railway Sports Club in the Abhishek Motors RG Baruah GSA Super Division Football League here today. For NF Railway, it was their first defeat this season.Till the 58th minute of the match, Dynamo was trailing 0-2. But the Dynamo players were in no mood to give up without a fight. Finally, their efforts paid off as they fired three salvos within a span of 28 minutes to snatch full points with the deserving victory. Chayaram Basumatary and Sibra Narzary put the Railway team 2-0 ahead scoring in the second and 30th minutes respectively.But after changing over, the Dynamo players woke up from their slumber and narrowed the margin in the 58th minute through Amjao Singh (2-1). Encouraged by the goal, Dynamo romped into attack mode and drew parity in the 67th minute when skipper Onyeama Francis found the target from a close range (2-2). Finally, it was Somnath Chakravorty who fired the match-winning goal in the 86th minute to drag the match in their favour (3-2).

The railwaymen got off to a promising start and went ahead in the very second minute. Anticipating a pass from Sibra, Chayaram shot home. In the 30th minute, Railway enhanced the margin converting a spot kick. Duleswar Rabha was brought down by Dynamo defender Ajangpu Kabui inside the box and Sibra was on target to give his team a 2-0 lead.

The first session was under Railway’s control with some perfect tactical moves. They should have gone 5-0 ahead in the first half had Sibra and Jelendra not muffed away three easy scoring opportunities from point blank positions.

However, the boots were on the other feet after switching over of sides. Spirited NF Railway players, perhaps due to some complacency, were forced to fall back by the rejuvenated Dynamo attackers. Nigerians Oneybi Nandos Ogbonna and Francis led their side from the front and initiated a series of attacks through the flanks.

Dynamo’s first opening was created in the 52nd minute when Francis broke through with a solo effort. But he failed to beat Railway custodian K Bijen Singh.

In the 58th minute, they managed to strike when Somnath sent a centre from the right flank. Francis unleashed a shot but the ball rebounded off the Railway goalkeeper. Unmarked Amujao took no time to fire and the ball rested in the net beating a couple of defenders and the custodian.

It was Francis’ solo effort through which he netted the equaliser. Receiving a pass from Ogbonna from inside the box, Francis used his power and dodged past a Railway defence before driving home.

Francis again set the ball for Somnath who’s left footed grounder sailed into the goal much to the jubilation of his team and supporters. With today’s victory, Dynamo raised their points to 10 and are placed at the fifth position in the table. On the other hand, NF Railway are still at the top with 16 points despite their defeat today.

Rising beat Maharana: In the A Division League match today, Rising XI defeated Maharana AC 3-2.

For Rising Wilson Dewri scored in the 31st and 74th minute while Rajesh Rabha added one in the 54th minute.

N Surjit Singh netted both goal for Maharana in the 70th and 88th minutes respectively. The match was of academic interest only as both the teams were out of the race for league title.

The A Division match between Ganga SC and City Police, which was scheduled to be played tomorrow, has been postponed and now the all important match will be played on September 1. Both the teams have 15 points each.

Today’s match: (Super Div) Assam Police Blues vs ASEB SC.