Real Madras Riders

1

vs

Central Park International

5

The Internationals started the season with the last still fresh on their minds. They learnt that they need to be more clinical in front of goal and at the same time, they need to consolidate their lead when they are in front thus it was important that they get a good start for the opening match in a new division which looks pretty tight.

Play was tight in midfield as the likes of Tomas, Soerensen and Michael Jensen had to work their socks off to contain a tough and physical Real Madras midfielders. On a couple of occasion when they did managed to win possession, Yash was almost always left umarked on the right wing. If those early signs wasn't heeded, the right midfielder made one of those opportunities count when Soerensen freed Yash in the 7th minute for the latter to notch his first ever goal for the club. Soerensen gave his team a two goal cushion in the 23rd minute before Vik gave his team a comfortable 3 goal cushion five minutes before the break. However, Real Madras Riders made something out of the game when they managed to reduced the deficit in the final kick of the game when some poor marking allowed their forward to sneak at the far post. The second half opening exchanges gave Sharks several scare but they increased their lead yet again in the 54th minute before Naoki ensured the win with a fifth goal to cap a good weekend for the club as both teams started the season with good wins plus a semi-final spot in next week EFL Challenge Cup.

The manager commented, 'It was an even match and the scoreline seemed a little flattering based on some even matchups in most department from both teams.