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Gameweek 5 threw up some interesting results with Diablos dropping points against Lawless to lose out on the top spot. Al-Fateh continued their upbeat start to the season triumphing over title rivals Titans FC.
The title race remains wide open with Bengal and Athlos United potentially in contention making it a five horse race. With three spots up for promotion, mid table teams like Sparta and Brunton’s Division 1 hopes are alive too.
FCB Sparta 1 – 1 FC Kudlu
Sparta and Kudlu played out a draw to start things off, a fair result with both teams evenly matched throughout the game. Kudlu started the game well and were duly rewarded when Ashief K got on the scoresheet in the 10th minute.
Sparta dominated the second half of the game and deservingly got level when Zac Thomas converted from the penalty spot. Sparta have been consistent throughout the season and have been on the cusp of the upper third of teams. Kudlu have had a see-saw season so far and will gladly add this point gained to their kitty.
Scorers:
Ashief K 10’ (FC Kudlu)
Zac Thomas 51’ (FCB Sparta)
Grasshoppers FC 1 – 2 FC Brunton
Brunton completed a come from behind win when Gautam Rego scored a late goal to ensure all three points for his team. Grasshoppers had taken the lead early in the game when Gautham Narayan found the net with a well-placed shot, but Brunton immediately responded when Mohit Ahuja converted from the spot.
The game was scrappy at times with both teams focusing on defence, but Brunton managed to pull one out of the bag and grab all three points to move up the table. Grasshoppers once again lost points owing to a loss of concentration towards the end of the game, an issue they need to address quickly if they are to get back on track.
Scorers:
Gautham Narayan 17’ (Grasshoppers FC)
Mohit Ahuja 19’; Gautam Rego 59’ ( FC Brunton)
Athlos United 1 – 0 Netbusters FC
Athlos picked up another three points to continue their climb into the top three, courtesy of a Sabarish Kannan goal in the first half. Netbusters put in a spirited performance but need to turn things around quickly results-wise, if they are to get out of the bottom.
The return of Gigen Dev and captain Rony Samson should be a boost, but a lot of work is yet to be done. Athlos played an excellent possession based game again and have been good on the ball; their slow start seemingly a distant past. A top three finish for them seems a good bet, but they need to win all their games if they are to win the title.
Scorers:
Sabarish Kannan 23’ (Athlos United)
Diablos FC 1 – 1 FC Lawless
Lawless salvaged a point late in the game via a free kick from captain Nakul Ganapathy, while playing with only 10 men. Diablos must be kicking themselves for getting complacent late in the game and allowing their opposition a sniff at goal.
Diablos took the lead earlier in the game when Lawless defender Mathew Alexander turned the ball into his own net. Diablos didn’t kill the game off with chances aplenty and paid an expensive price, Al Fateh now overtaking them in the standings.
Lawless have not picked up a win yet but recent performances have been encouraging and that first win should be around the corner.
Scorers:
Mathew Alexander (OG) 25’ (Diablos FC)
Nakul Ganapathy 57’ (FC Lawless)
Al-Fateh 2 – 0 Titans FC
Al-Fateh continued their impressive start to their debut TAL campaign beating fellow title rivals Titans FC with two late goals from captain Zaib Sherief. Titans matched their opposition toe to toe in the first half and had plenty of half chances, which they failed to convert.
Al-Fateh seemed rattled by the strong midfield pressing that ensued but found that extra push late in the game to secure three points against a tough opponent. Titans are not out of the title race yet, but Al-Fateh have a three-point lead over them as well as a game in hand.
Scorers:
Zaib Sherief 50’, 56’ (Al-Fateh)
FC Bengal 6 – 1 Joras
Bengal thumped Joras putting six past them with forward Saheed Adeoye scoring 5 goals in a game for the second time in his TAL career. Joras have been badly out of form and look like a demotivated side on the pitch in their past few outings.
The majority of Bengal’s goals came from defensive lapses with Saheed quick to pounce on them. Bengal have now won 3 out of their 4 games and are in contention for a promotion spot while Joras look to be on a free fall.
Scorers:
Saheed Adeoye 19’, 23’,39’,50’,55’; Arjun Sehgal 33’ (FC Bengal)
Sivaram Natarjan 22’ (Joras)
Standings (After Gameweek 5)
| Pos. | Name | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Al-Fateh | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 17 | 12 |
| 2 | Diablos FC | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
| 3 | Athlos United | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| 4 | FC Bengal | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 9 |
| 5 | Titans FC | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 9 |
| 6 | FCB Sparta | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 7 |
| 7 | Grasshoppers FC | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 6 |
| 8 | FC Brunton | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 6 |
| 9 | FC Kudlu | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 4 |
| 10 | Joras | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 21 | -17 | 3 |
| 11 | FC Lawless | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 2 |
| 12 | Netbusters FC | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 1 |
