USFC succumbs to another last minute draw

PAILAN ARROWS CONTINUE UNBEATEN RUN
KALYANI, 28 Jan: Pailan Arrows’s never-say-die attitude was exemplified when it scored the equaliser in the 87th minute to hold United Sikkim FC 1-1 and extend their unbeaten run to three successive rounds in the I-League. Substitute Tirthankar Sarkar found the net for Arrows after Anwar Ali had given United Sikkim the lead with a spectacular effort.
The 18th round match at Kalyani’s Municipal Stadium was not a soccer humdinger but it was definitely an occasion for the developmental side of the All India Football Federation to prove their maturity and talent.
Set amongst the top clubs of the country, who flaunt multi-crore budgets and spend big on acquiring foreigners and top professionals, Arrows have become a force to reckon with under their young manager Arthur Papas. The Australian is the only foreigner in the team that relies entirely on homebred talent.
As it came out on Monday, Arrows had the right recipe for almost every kind of opponent they have faced so far. United Sikkim is not the best of the opponents in the tournament being currently placed 13th among a total of 14 teams in the table.
The first half turned a listless exercise as both the sides preferred to hold back their offensive intent. There were hardly any notable shots, head or an attempt that could spell danger in the either ends of the ground.
Arrows played a waiting game apparently realizing the desperation of the opponent, who would be more eager to attack to seek a deliverance from relegation fears. But the Sikkim team remained tentative throughout and really opened up to allow the Arrows the opportunity to ambush.
Second half started more purposefully as Arrows took the initiative to attack and pushed for a break. Employing three specialized forwards in their ranks, it was natural for the host to play the aggressor.
The Arrows attacking-line – with Holicharan Narzary, Alwyn George and Seiminlen Doungel (who is on loan from East Bengal) – set up a wave of attacks but found them running into dead ends for want of proper finishing. With United Sikkim also deciding to be more expressive in the second half the action became more lively with greater frequency of attacks on either ends.
Anwar Ali broke the deadlock first in the 73rd minute with a delectable scissors kick to send home a half-hearted clearance from the Arrows defender Souvik Ghosh. The late concession queered the pitch for Arrows, who did not have the time in allowance.
Papas made couple of quick changes hereafter to refresh Arrows’ offensive. The ploy worked well as Tirthankar Sarkar, who replaced Rajinder Kumar in the midfield in the 81st minute, found the equalizer in the 87th minute saving the hosts’ blushes. The leveler came off a low cross from the right which was left by Holicharan to fox the Sikkim defence as Tirthankar came up from the far side to find the net.
Pailan Arrows had 19 points from 17 games while United Sikkim had 12 from 18 matches. [courtesy: AIFF]