Under-19 I-League: Tata Football Academy beat LoneStar Kashmir FC 3-0

Action during the U-19 I-League match between Tata Football Academy and LoneStar Kashmir

A double and an own goal sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory for Tata Football Academy over LoneStar Kashmir FC in their final Group Game of the Under-19 I-League from the Rest Of India A Zone at the Ambedkar Stadium in the Capital on Friday.

Midfielder Hitesh Sharma struck twice for Gordon Young's side, while the third goal came as an own goal from LKFC defender Gulshan Kumar.

A first half blunder from LKFC Goalkeeper Nirdous Sagotra helped Gordon's side take the advantage, as Hitesh capitalised on the loose ball from the custodian just at the edge of the box. Hitesh took the shot from just outside the box to slot it inside the net with ease. Nirdous was caught out of position and he failed to get any contact on the travelling ball.

Off to the second half, and although the Kashmir outfit started the game with some pace, they failed to continue their momentum. On the 75th minute mark, LKFC defender Gulshan rose above to clear a header from a TFA cross, but the ball struck his head and went inside his own net. Even Nirdous had no clue about where the ball was travelling, and he remained just a mere spectator. The final nail in the coffin came 10 minutes later when Rantan Singh's pass to Hitesh was comfortably slotted in by the latter to give TFA a comfortable three-goal lead.

Although TFA have now risen to the top of the table with seven points post this win, Gordon, Head Coach, TFA mentioned that more than the results, it was the development of his boys which mattered the most.

"The results don't really matter, but we are happy with the way the three games have gone so far. More than this victory, the development of the players are crucial. They are a pretty young side and I'm happy with the way they are maturing, even though there are some areas to be sorted."

"I will be happy with the qualification, and look forward to a better performance from my boys," he said.

TFA's qualification to the Final Round will depend on the fate of the next game. If Hindustan FC can keep Bengaluru FC at bay, via a victory of atleast a five-goal margin, Gordon's side move to the next Round.