CHANDIGARH, MAY 1:Chandigarh Police Football Club, Golden Club and Accountant General Haryana qualified for quarter-finals from Group B, Group D and Group C, respectively, in the Chandigarh Senior State Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy being conducted by the Chandigarh Football Association at the Sector 17 Football Stadium here today. They joined New Public School Football Club and St Stephen’s Football Club in the last eight stage.Youngsters Football Club eked out a narrow 1-0 victory over Sher-e-Punjab in a Group A encounter. The all-important goal was scored by Gaurav with a solo effort in the third minute.Accounant General Haryana defeated Uttranchal by 4-1 after leading 2-1 at half time.Amit (5th minute), Deepak (20th), Raman (45th) and Rajesh (36th) contributed one goal each for AG Haryana. Ajay Bhatt netted the solitary goal for Uttranchal.
Golden Club handed out a 5-1 drubbing to Maruti Fooball Club ‘A’ Team while Chandigarh Police Football Club overcame a stiff resistance from Youth Club of Sector 30 by 2-1 margin.
Spirited Youth Club held Chandigarh Police Football Club to a goalless draw in the first half. Both teams had opportunities to score but their forwards either shot wide or the opponent defenders thwarted the moves. Youth Club goalkeeper Rajat also excelled under the cage to make some confident collections.
However, on crossing over, Chandigarh Police Football Club mounted relentless pressure. One minute after resumption, Rinku Mashi unleashed a powerful shot which Youth Club custodian Rajat made a brilliant save.
The Youth Club conceded their first goal in the 32nd minute when Chandigarh Police FC striker Munish found goalkeeper Rajat on the wrong foot from a close range. Four minutes later, Chandigarh Football Club increased their margin through Rakesh. The Chandigarh Police striker got possession of the ball in the middle. He dribbled past a couple of defenders before moving to the right flank. His powerful shot was blocked by goalkeeper Rajat. However, he pounced on the rebound before scoring Chandigarh Police FC’s second goal.
Youth Club’s best move came in the 48th minute.Shailender Rawat sprinted on the right before sending a hot shot which hit the crosspiece before the ball going out. In another counter attack in the 55th minute, Youth Club scored their lone goal through Navi who guided the ball into the Chandigarh Police FC goal from a close range.
Golden Club proved too good for Maruti Football Club A Team. They were two goals up within five minutes. Fed by Shammi, Jagmohan gove his team the lead with a goal in the second minute. Three minutes later, Jagdish converted a pass from Jaswinder. Shammi and Jagmohan combined again and the latter pumped in Golden Club’s third goal in the 15th minute.
Against the run of play, Maruti Football Club A got their consolation goal through Vishal. Golden Club added further increased their lead through Karan in the 28th minute. In the second half they added one more more goal through Shammi to their kitty for an impressive 5-1 triumph.
Tomorrow’s fixtures (QFs): Chandigarh Police FC vs New Public School Club-18 (6 a.m.); St Stephen’s FC vs Golden Football Club (7.30 a.m.); AG Haryana vs Chandigarh Football Club (5.30 p.m.)