Mumbai Customs' Richard Roberts scored the solitary goal in a rather drab encounter with Companeroes SC in the 105th Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) Nadkarni Cup at the RCF Sports Complex in Chembur on Friday.
Roberts scored a left-footed belter from 20 yards in the 23rd minute to give Mumbai Customs the lead. A couple of minutes later he created another opportunity for striker Francisco Salin as he ran down the left wing and lobbed the ball into the box, only for Salin was to blow the chance with a poor finish. Mumbai Customs constantly threatened but were thwarted by Companeroes’ keeper Wren D’Breo.
The second half saw the Customs continuing their attacking game, while Companeroes struggled to hold on. They had a few chances of scoring but were let down by a poor final ball. It was their opponent's mediocrity that made the Customs shine; the latter collecting an easy three points at the final whistle. Companeroes had their keeper D’Breo to thank for saving them from a more humiliating scoreline.
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Mumbai Customs' Richard Roberts in action against Companeroes SC.
Helping the Customs dominate the entire 90 minutes was 26-year-old wing-back Monish Bhamre who produced maximum chances down the right flank and was easily the best player on the field.
“It was good teamwork,” said Bhamre after the game. “We’ve been practicing really hard for the last month. We deserved to win,” he added.
Interestingly, Bhamre was wearing his coach Milton Fernando’s (who also played for Customs) former jersey for the match. “It was my lucky charm. I’m disappointed I didn’t score,” he said.
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