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Sreebhumi edge past Bidesh XI to stay alive in race

Sreebhumi FC players during their Indian Women's League game. (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)
Sreebhumi FC players during their Indian Women's League game. Photo courtesy: AIFF Media

Sreebhumi FC trounced Bidesh XI Sporting Club 2-0 in Hero Indian Women’s League clash at the Bangalore stadium on Wednesday (January 29, 2020).

It was an even start to the match with both teams locked in an intense midfield battle. Jeromina Colaco and Macrenna Dias of Bidesh XI were orchestrating play from the centre of the park but lack of quality balls were not helping their cause.

Sreebhumi made the most of their chance in the 25th minute and drew first blood through midfielder Poonam. She breezed past her way from midfield and unleashed a deadly shot from outside of the penalty box to beat goalkeeper Pereira.

Around the half-hour mark, they could have doubled the lead if they had taken advantage of a miscommunication between Bidesh’s defenders and Pereira. An inswinging corner kick was floated in and four defenders went for the ball along with the final custodian. There was a clash and the ball spilt out of Pereira’s hands, but fortunately, there were no pink shirts to pounce on the error.

Sushmita Yadhav of Bidesh got a sight of goal in the 39th minute but the striker ballooned her shot over the crosspiece after burning her pace to beat Sreebhumi’s defenders.

It was an inspired start to the second half from Bidesh XI as they went all guns blazing for the equaliser. But it was the women in pink who doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Ritu Devi found the back of the net after latching on to a well-delivered corner.

Bidesh XI girls tried their level best but it was not enough to deter Sreebhumi’x first win in the campaign.

(AIFF Media)