Mahindra waste penalty, Air India snatch draw in 'Derby clash'

Mumbai, Apr 28 (UNI) Mahindra United today dug their own grave in their bid to retain the National Football League title when they wasted a late second half penalty against city-rivals Air India and had to settle for a goalless draw at the Cooperage here. Mahindra, in a must-win situation, looked pedestrian in their approach to the job on hand till a godsent opportunity came their way in the 85th minute when striker Pomeyie Mensah was tripped inside the box by rival defender A K Martins.

But Mensah took a weak shot at the goal from the spot which was easily saved by custodian Raju Ekka with a dive to the left post.

Mahindra can claim that Ekka should not have been allowed to save the spot kick after having punched their defender Surkumar Singh in the face during the fracas following the awarding of the penalty by referee P K Bose.

Instead of sending the offending player off, the referee showed Ekka and Surkumar yellow cards.

Mahindra may now have to rue the missed chance in their quest for retaining the crown. With a lone point gained from the tie, the holders have 27 points from 15 ties, five adrift of leaders Dempo Sports Club of Goa who have played one match more.

The draw helped AI boost their tally to 19 from 15 games.

UNI