GUWAHATI, July 13 � With a facile 5-0 victory against arch rivals Maharana Athletic Club, Gauhati Town Club cruised into the final of the Premier Agro Bio-Tech NN Bhatta Football Tournament.
In the one-sided first semifinal of the championship at the Nehru Stadium here today, Town took a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break and netted three more after changing over.
At the initial stage, Maharana started on a spirited note but after conceding a goal in the 29th minute through penalty they looked ordinary. They lost their form which they showed against NF Railway SC in the quarterfinal.
Captain Tomba Singh converted the spotkick which was awarded for handling the ball inside the box by a Maharana defender. In the 39th minute, John Sonowal made it 2-0 with a header off a centre sent by Tomba. In the second session, Maharana defence line was shattered by Town attackers and taking advantage of a disorganised defence, Town frontliners made repeated inroads into the Maharana striking zone.
Substitute Rakesh Das� power packed drive deflected off Maharana defender Birdao Basumatary into the goal and Town went 3-0 ahead in the 62nd minute. Tapan Kalita struck in the 63rd and 89th minutes to complete the rout.
Town boys today played a well combined game with domination in the midfield. Their striking brigade � Tapan Kalita, John Sonowal � in particular exposed the opponent team�s defence. Captain Tomba provided adequate support from the midfield.
Maharana players have to work hard for their A Division League which will start from July 25. They have to concentrate more on balancing their defence line as lots of gaps were seen in their defensive zone.
Today�s match (S/F): Green Valley vs Police Blues
