MSSA U-14: Vitallian scores as St Stanislaus down Sundatta High School

St Stanislaus' forward scores lone goal as Bandra side defeat Sundatta High School in Round Two of the U-14 boys MSSA Utpal Sanghvi knockout inter-school tournament

St Stanislaus' Vitallian Naidu hits out during the match against Sundatta High School in the U-14 boys MSSA Utpal Sanghvi inter-school tournament at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Atul Kambke

Last year's runners-up St Stanislaus High School (Bandra) eased into Round Two of the U-14 boys MSSA Utpal Sanghvi knockout inter-school tournament defeating Sundatta High School (Grant Road) 1-0 at Azad Maidan yesterday.

Stanislaus, who lost in the tiebreaker of last year's final against Don Bosco, created many chances of scoring early on, but were thwarted impressively by Sundatta 'keeper Aman Yadav.

Industrious St Stanislaus
The first half ended goalless with Stanislaus making all the running. Stanislaus continued their impressive play in the second half and found the net in the 24th minute when winger Darren Gomendes squared it to Vitallian Naidu, who was occupying the forward position and smartly slotted it past the 'keeper.

From here on, Stanislaus were in the driver's seat and created numerous chances only to be denied by the inspiring Aman.

However, Stanislaus held on and won in the end. Stanislaus coach Nikhil Nair, who is coaching the U-14 team for the first time, was happy that his side could start off with a win.

"It is always good to start with a win. When you emerge victorious in the first round, it builds your confidence and this will help us in the upcoming matches," Nair told mid- day.

Hoping for a great show
Aware of the team's final run last year, Nair hopes they can go a step better this time around.

"I know that the U-14s made it to the final last year. We will give our best to win it this time around," he added.

Vitallian, the scorer of the winner, was happy with his goal and credited his success to the team. "I feel quite good. It was because of the team that I could score the goal. Without them, it would've been much harder," he said.

Stanislaus will face Anjuman I Islam's Allana English High School (CST) in the next round. Vitallian was confident of doing well in the next match. "Yes, we can win the next match but we will have to be at our best," he asserted.

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