Chiranjit puts Western back on winning track

Charajit’s twin strikes put Western back on winning track

Mumbai, April 1: Powered by Charanjit Singh’s twin strikes, Western Railway returned back of the winning track with a come from behind 5-3 win over a plucky Union Bank of India in an entertaining Elite Division match of the MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association) League – 2014-15, played at the Cooperage ground, on Wednesday morning.

Union Bank putting up a gutsy performance wrested control initially and rocked the Western citadel when energetic striker Titus Uttankar struck the opening goal in the very third minute of the match. Uttankar, the livewire in the Union Bank attack added the second 14 minutes later to give his team a 2-0 lead.

Western Railway gradually and confidently bounced back to turn the tables on their rivals. Seasoned striker Reuben D’Souza led Western’s fight back by scoring their first goal in the 33^rd minute before midfielder Linekar Machado netted the second in the 50^th to restore parity for the railwaymen.

Union Bank regained the lead when Pratik Koli hit the target in the 65^th minute. However, two minutes later, their lead was once again cancelled out with Charanjit firing in the first of his two goals. Later Western scored twice in the final minutes through Ravikant Naidu (88^th minute) and Charanjit in stoppage time to complete a deserving victory.

There will be no Elite Division matches on Thursday and Friday. The next round of matches will be played on Saturday.

Result, Elite Division: Western Railway 5 (Reuben D’Souza 33^rd, Linekar Machado 50^th, Charanjit Singh 67^th, 90+2^nd, Ravikant Naidu 88th) beat Union Bank of India 3 (Tittus Uttankar 3^rd, 17^th, Pratik Koli 65^th).

MDFA to hold classes for new referees

Mumbai: The Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) determined to groom referees will be conducting classes for beginners at the St. Xavier’s ground, Parel, from April 15, 2015. These classes will provide an opportunity for youngsters to become professional referees.

The classes will consists of extensive theory and practical sessions, under the supervision of renowned referee instructors from the AIFF panel of referees.

The course is open for men and women who are below the age of 35 years and have a minimum qualification of SSC passed.

All clubs affiliated with MDFA are requested to send at least two persons to attend the course.

All those who are interested to become professional referees may kindly enrol their names with MDFA office, Parel, on or before 10th April, 2015.

For more details, contact the MDFA office at Parel on telephone 022 2412 4900 during working hours.