Chandigarh
17 May 2023
DIVYA AZAD
After having only 1 point from the first two matches, Delhi Football Club(DFC) were up against United Sports in almost a do or die clash and the only outcome which could have helped them was a win.
United Sports had an all win record at home and facing them at Kolkata was a challenge. They bagged 3 points in every occasion they played at their home ground.
The team knew their jobs and they’re known as “Warriors” for a reason which they proved yet again as they didn’t fail to fulfill the target for the day and beat United Sports Club by a 3:2 margin.
The fixture was tough as expected and United Sports were desperate for a win as well after coming from a 2-1 loss against Shillong Lajong which ended their unbeaten run in the Hero I-League 2nd division.
Captain Balwant Singh and his army knew the weightage of the clash and the opponents and went all in from the very first minute.
DFC were off to a blistering start with a wonderful move down the right hand side at the 4th minute of the game which was slotted home via a sublime finish by Balwant Singh which helped them to an early lead in the big clash.
Chances kept coming for the Warriors even though not all were capitalized on but the intent was clear that they were her for the win.
United Sports Club were not to sit back and relax and tested the DFC keeper but were unable to go past him.
A 1 goal lead was never safe and just before the half time break in the additional minutes, it was the captain who stepped up once again for DFC. Balwant Singh doubled the lead with a stunning free kick to double up the lead and make it 2:0 just at the right time.
It was 2:0 at Half Time and DFC looked more comfortable coming out with the 2 goal lead after the break. The attacks continued and DFC started the 2nd half almost in a similar fashion.
Soon within a few minutes it was Bali Gagandeep who emerged with a 3rd goal for DFC for all their efforts and attacking intent. It was 3:0 within an hour of the game and DFC were taking the game away from United SC.
The story wasn’t to end here and a defensive lapse soon made it 3:1 as United SC pulled back a goal. DFC continued their attacks but the United Sports keeper kept them in the game with numerous saves.
United SC were not to give up and soon a goalkeeping error from a long range effort got them their second to make the score line 3-2. It was game on and United SC were putting up a show.
The Warriors were under test and even after an error Nitish Mehra stood up strong and made sure to block any further attempt coming goalwards.
Nitish turned saviour and made sure the score line remained 3-2 till Full-Time.
This resulted in a marvelous victory for DFC and they put forward a crucial step in the battle to qualify for the Hero I-League with 3 points from this big fixture.
With one more game remaining DFC will very well be fancying their chances to make it through to the Hero I-League next season and they’re ready for the big battle against Ambernath United on the 26th of May.
