Garhwal ( Heroes) still on the top securing 13 points after 5 th match with Indian Airforce. Kudos

ANIL NEGI

Garhwal stayed clear at the top of the table in the ongoing Delhi Premier League 2024-25 at Ambedkar Stadium Delhi. Today’s match between the defending champions Garhwal Heroes Football Club and Indian Air Force saw an unexpected turn of events. IAF was up by two goals within the first 30 minutes. The first goal for IAF came in the 25th minute. A short corner taken by IAF was received by their player right outside the left flank of the penalty box and who turned and hit a beautiful curler into the top right corner of the goal to give IAF the lead.

The second goal by IAF came just a few minute later in the 29th minute. A cross from the right flank into Garhwal’s box was unsuccessfully cleared by the defender. The possession went back to IAF in the box and it led to a simple pass to number 24 who put the ball in the top left corner of the goal to double the lead. The third minute of additional time in the first half saw a courageous attempt by Garhwal’s number 9 from right outside the box only to be saved by IAF’s goalkeeper.

The second half began and saw Garhwal fight back to get in the game. Garhwal used 3 substitutes in the 64th minute to make some strategical changes which proved to be fruitful. Garhwal made the score 2-1 in the 66th minute with a wonderfully coordinated effort. A long ball down the right flank by Garhwal’s right back was deftly received by the winger as he headed the ball over the defender and received it in the box.

He then crossed the ball in front of the goal to Garhwal’s number 12 who redirected the ball to Milind Negi who scored calmly. Garhwal, having gained momentum, kept attacking relentlessly looking for that equalizer. In the 87th minute, it was Garhwal’s number 25 Sandeep Patra, who equalized the match with an acrobatic goal that was out of this world. The move began with a throw in for Garhwal near IAF’s right corner flag.

The one-two-onebetween the thrower and receiver gave him room to cross the ball inside which was punched away unsuccessfully by the keeper. Garhwal’s number 9 took another shot at the loose ball but it was blocked and came bouncing towards Sandeep right outside the 6-yard box. Sandeep jumped up in the air and shot a stunning ball over the keeper and into the top right corner to give Garhwal their comeback and keep them undefeated. Sandeep Patra grabbed the man of the match trophy for his heroic goal and efforts throughout the match. Garhwal’s fan came in great numbers to support their team and definitely got to witness a thriller today.