Minerva Punjab and DSK Shivajians in goalless stalemate

Published at :February 15, 2017 at 8:42 PM

Modified at :February 15, 2017 at 8:42 PM

Both teams failed to find a goal as defences held sway...

Minerva Punjab FC played a goalless draw against DSK Shivajians at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana today. Meanwhile, this was Minerva Punjab FC’s fourth draw in the ongoing league.

Minerva Punjab FC and DSK Shivajians locked horns at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana today. Minerva Punjab FC played 4-3-3 against Dave Rogers’ men in red who started with Real Madrid academy cadet Juan Quero marshalling the attack. Kareem captained the host side and International veteran custodian Subrata Paul led the DSK Shivajian army.

The first half was much in the favour of DSK Shivajians as they threatened the Minerva defence line with crosses flying in from either flank. DSK came close to scoring on many occasions while the first half saw a controversial handball penalty appeal denied in favour of Minerva Punjab.

Nirmal Chettri and Chennaiyin FC sensation Jerry floated brilliant crosses seeking Sumeet Passi, but Arnab Das Sharma had a great outing today.

In the second half, Minerva came up stronger on the front line. Vineet Rai combined together to pile up the pressure on the DSK defenders. Girik, who plied his trade in the Santosh Trophy, made his I-League debut today for Minerva in the second half and slotted a fine shot on goal, punched to safety by Subrata Paul which was the wake-up call for a dormant DSK defence.

Attacks came from end to end in the last phase of the game with both sides playing the ball deep into opposition attacking third. Kareem and Loveday were on vigil while Nirmal Chettri, Kima and Charles guarded the DSK goal.

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The game ended goalless at full time. DSK Shivajians travel to lock their horns with mighty Mohun Bagan next while Minerva Punjab FC travel to Goa to take on Churchill Brothers FC Goa following an unbeaten four-game run. Minerva Medio Vinit Rai was adjudged with the Hero of the Match award for his plucky display in the midfield.