TAL Season 3 (Division 1): Gameweek 7 Review

Yataghan Internazionale ran out as comfortable victors in their game against Mavericks FC

The top of the table remained unchanged as Parikrma consolidated their hold on first spot after beating Samba FC. Horizons leapfrogged Supernova into second place after the latter slumped to a defeat against Gremio FC, while Horizons beat Project 7.

Yataghan moved up to fourth after a thumping victory over Mavericks as Rare Dare romped home against FC Kougen Kikou. The final game saw the spoils shared as Flipkart failed to beat a resolute Mercurial team.

In the postponed game from Division 2 earlier in the day, honours were even as Al-Fateh came from two goals down to secure a draw against FC Bengal.

Division 2:

Al-Fateh 2-2 FC Bengal

The rescheduled game from Division 2 kicked off things in a jam-packed day, as Al-Fateh and FC Bengal clashed. As predicted, this was going to be a tough test for Al-Fateh’s defence and it turned out to be just that. Following a scoreless first half, FC Bengal took the lead through a penalty from Saheed.

This was not only the first time Al-Fateh conceded a goal this season, but they also had to display their mental make-up to get back into the game. Any such talk looked to have been quelled when Saheed scored again in the 50th minute, drawing rapturous celebrations from FC Bengal.

Probably still caught up in that celebrations, the FC Bengal defence was caught napping as Al-Fateh equalized right from the restart. Muheeb added to the score four minutes later to complete a stunning comeback, but Al-Fateh’s efforts to push for a winner were futile, though. In the end, a fair result to both teams that is sure to change the landscape of Division 2 in the coming weeks.

Scorers:

Shelton Paul 51’, Mohammed Muheeb Ulla 55’ (Al-Fateh)

Saheed Adeoye 41’[P], 50 (FC Bengal)

Division 1:

Mavericks FC 0-3 Yataghan Internazionale

Division 1 action kicked off with the game between Mavericks and Yataghan. Yataghan were the clear favorites for this one and they romped home in style, despite fielding what seemed to be a depleted side. Mohsin opened the scoring in the 15th minute after being assisted well by Vinayak from the left flank. Mavericks did create a few chances but lacked the cutting edge up front to take them.

In the second half, Yataghan imposed themselves and were rewarded in the 45th minute when Nour Azhari scored a great goal on the turn. Richie “Tapi” Reus bettered his teammate with a scorcher just before the final whistle to add the finishing touches to a comfortable victory.

Yataghan now climb to fourth place with a realistic chance of finishing in third if they can get some good results. Things are not looking that rosy for Mavericks, though, who are in the thick of the relegation battle in 10th.

Scorers:

Mohsin Khan 15'; Nour Azhari 45'; Richie Reus 60' (Yataghan Internazionale)

Gremio FC 3-1 Supernova FC

The headlines for the day was made when Gremio beat an in-form Supernova side, causing an upset of sorts. This is even more of a surprise given the contrasting forms of both the sides. Gremio FC not only lifted themselves into 7th position but also potentially dealt a serious blow to Supernova’s title hopes, leaving them 6 points adrift of the leaders.

It was actually Supernova who started the game brightly and were rewarded with a goal in the 15th minute. But the introduction of Javi Cabrera in the 17th minute turned out to be a masterstroke as he turned the game on its head. Aside from linking up plays, he also sparked other players into life, Mahesh in particular, who got the equalizer.

In the second half, it was a Javi show as Supernova tried in vain to stop him. He helped himself to a brace, killing any hopes of a revival by the opposition. This was the first show of potential from the young side and they will look to carry the momentum forward. For Supernova, this will serve as a rude awakening and they are now left with a mountain to climb.

Scorers:

Mahesh D 27', Javi Cabrera 43',60'; (Gremio FC)

Abhijeet Singh Rautela 16’ (Supernova FC)

Horizons FC 2-0 Project 7

Project 7 were up against Horizons in the fourth game of the day. Project 7 have been the surprise package and have been solid this season. Horizons, despite winning all but one of their games have been laborious in their performances. Things went according to plan for Project 7 in the first half as they held off the threat from Horizons.

Soon after the break though, their resistance was broken by Adithya KV with a well-taken goal. Once Horizons took the lead, things eased as they were comfortable in defence. Adithya scored another great goal in the 50th minute to seal the game. Project 7 though, created a few good chances after that and forced Barry in goal to make some important stops.

It was however too little too late and Horizons held on for all three points. Project 7 drop down to 5th while Horizons retake 2nd place with their title chances heavily dependent on their showdown with Parikrma on the final day.

Scorers:

Adithya KV 34', 50; (Horizons FC)

FC Kougen Kikou 0 - 4 Rare Dare FC

The first post-lunch game saw FC Kougen Kikou take on Rare Dare FC. This was billed to be a close game between evenly matched sides, but it turned out to be anything but as Rare Dare put four past their opponents. FC Kougen KIkou would have expected to fare better in this game, but their usual lack of defensive discipline did them in.

Rare Dare made full use of this and pumped in the goals with Don, Bhargav and Avinash all getting on the scoresheet. Rare Dare will be pleased with this display, one they were in control throughout. This result lifts them off the relegation zone and into the safety of 9th place for the time being. Kougen Kikou though are in 10th and are tied on points with the teams below them- Mavericks and Mercurial.

This surely is disappointment considering their decent start, but they have shown in past seasons that they know their way out of such corners.

Scorers:

Don Bernard 15'; Avinash H 22',50’; Bhargav R 45' (Rare Dare FC)

Parikrma 2 – 0 Samba FC

The game between Parikrma and Samba FC was up next as the champions-elect resumed their title hunt. Samba were expected to test their resolve as the top scorers met the meanest defence in the league. Samba came in with a very defensive mindset and were out to stop their opposition from building any significant plays.

But the class in the Parikrma midfield was too much for them to handle as the sibling duo of Andrew Louis and Louis Nickson pulled the strings in midfield. They constantly carved out the Samba defence and made the keeper work hard. Samba’s wall was finally breached just before half time and it was none other than top scorer Chiranjeevi who added to his bludgeoning goal tally.

Samba themselves have struggled to get results due to the lack of a reliable forward who can give them the goals when required. This showed again in this game as they turned over the ball many times for want of a man who can hold up the ball in the final third.

Chiranjeevi scored 15 minutes from the restart to put the game to bed, condemning Samba to their second loss this season. Parikrma maintain their 3-point lead at the top while Samba slide down to 8th, albeit with a game in hand.

Scorers:

Chiranjeevi Murugan 28’, 45’ (Parikrma)

Flipkart FC 1-1 Mercurial FC

The clash between Flipkart and Mercurial was the last game to be played out on the day. Flipkart were firm favorites for this game, but it did not quite turn out as well for them as expected. Credit must go to the Mercurial team, who in fact, took the lead in this game through Haider in the 21st minute.

Flipkart though were constantly raiding the Mercurial goal and it was captain Solomon Alva’s brave performance in defence that kept them out for long. Flipkart eventually though, drew level when Pavan scored from the spot in the 45th minute.

Mercurial though, avoided their 6th defeat this season and hung on for a draw - not a bad result for a team languishing at the bottom. For Flipkart though, this will be counted as two points dropped as they stay put in 6th place.

Scorers:

Pavan Powar 45' (Flipkart FC)

Haider Aly-Reza 21' (Mercurial FC)

Standings (After Gameweek 7)

Pos.

Name

GP

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Parikrma

7

7

0

0

24

3

21

21

2

Horizons FC

7

6

0

1

13

4

9

18

3

Supernova FC

7

5

0

2

16

9

7

15

4

Yataghan Internazionale

7

4

0

3

12

8

4

12

5

Project 7

7

3

2

2

9

10

-1

11

6

Flipkart FC

7

3

1

3

8

7

1

10

7

Gremio FC

7

2

1

4

9

9

0

7

8

Samba FC

6

1

3

2

2

4

-2

6

9

Rare Dare FC

6

2

0

4

10

13

-3

6

10

FC Kougen Kikou

7

1

1

5

8

14

-6

4

11

Mavericks FC

7

1

1

5

5

15

-10

4

12

Mercurial FC

7

1

1

5

4

21

-17

4

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