Ozone crash out of I-League second division

Playing a woeful game of catch up, Ozone faltered again at home in the hand of Fateh Hyderabad AFC. The visitors scored two quick goals in the first half, owing to some poor defending from Ozone backs. 

In a match where both teams needed to win to retain chance to qualify to the next stage, Fateh took the lead in the third minute from a goal from Nima Tamang. They struck again in the 23rd minute from a cross from Bangalore boy Manoj Swamy Kannan which Bonison Singh made no mistake. 

Anto Xavier reduced the margin for Ozone in the 40th minute. 

With the inclusion of Satish Kumar and Vignesh G in the fisrt half, Ozone tried come back to the game. However, they failed to crack Fateh defense. 

With 7 points and an away game in hand, Ozone are out of I-League Second Division. They currently stands at 3rd position in Group C after Fateh Hyderabad AFC and Kenkre FC. 

Bengaluru sign ’keeper Nikhil Bernard

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru Football Club on Tuesday, announced the signing of goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard, who last played for I-League side Royal Wahingdoh, until the end of the 2015-16 season. The 26-year-old Bengalurean joins the Blues after securing promotion from the I-League second division with Wahingdoh before helping them finish third on the League table last season.

“I’m very happy to have joined Bengaluru FC. The opportunity to work with Head Coach Ashley Westwood and under the guidance of Goalkeeper Coach Ali Uzunhasanoglu excites me. The training sessions are very dynamic and modern and I’ve learned a lot already,” said Bernard.

Bernard completes Bengaluru FC's goalkeeping roster which includes Lalthuammawia Ralte and another signing in Amrinder Singh, who has joined on loan from Pune FC. 

Bengaluru FC meet giant killer Royal Wahingdoh at home

AIFF & Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC after thrashing Sporting Clube three days ago meets their closest adversary Royal Wahingdoh tomorrow 7 pm at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore. 

Making debut in Hero I-League, Royal Wahingdoh have sprung surprise. They've displayed a good brand of football and tied with same points with BFC, the latter is ahead in head to head and goal difference. 

Bengaluru gaffer Ashley sounded cautious, “They’ve been playing well, they are a confident side, got some excellent individual attacking players, don’t think too many would tick them off. Wahingdoh have beaten East Bengal and Pune, considered as top three teams this season.” He adds, “we need to play hard, be at our best, and try to get something! 

The host gets a fully fit side despite of playing their third game in last eight days. Also, Shankar and Siam’s return from National U-23 side last night have boosted their strength. They will be training with the team today evening. Ashley reckons, “they might get into the squad if feel we need them.” 

Ashley is perhaps still searching for the best attacking front as most of their goals have come from midfielders. “Our strikers have not clicked as much as we would have liked. We've not got the consistency as an out-an-out forward would have done. He assures, “We’re performing well as a team and that is taking away the pressure from the central forwards!” 

Royal Wahingdoh, though termed as the giant killers, have received solid drubbing against Bengaluru FC at home. 

Wahingdoh coach Santosh Kashyap rubbishes that the loss is in their mind. He states, “It was long back and we’ve moved on. Believe we are a much organized now, playing fantastic football, and confident. Kashyap quickly adds, “We are in a good run and up against a team who too are in an excellent run!” 

“Though we lost against BFC by a big margin, but played a better game, that was not our day, ball hit the crosspiece thrice, and we conceded goals on counter attack. Our last two games have been exceptional, my boys executed what they’ve been taught, and as a coach what else you want!” 

Kashyap is a highly promising coach, he is performing a very similar role like last season. He was the coach of Rangdajied United, a newly promoted I-League team last season and this season he’s with another debutante Hero I-League team Royal Wahingdoh. His association with this team from Shillong has been a real success story! 

Kashyap admits he is a better coach now surrounded by talented players, who can quickly adapt the technique; the result has come out in a very short term. His strict instruction to his players is to keep their mind-off from top finish or relegation threat, and concentrate match by match. 

Tomorrows match would also see local boy, team’s goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard in action. He represented Karnataka in various age groups - U-16, U-19, and U-21, and then had a two year stint with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Nikhil will be playing his first I-League match at his hometown tomorrow evening. 

BDFA IX team for 4th Inter District Football Tournament

Consisting a mix of young and senior players, BDFA IX left for the 4th Inter District Football Tournament to be played at the Nehru Stadium, Shimoga. This tournament gives an exposure and encouragements to the budding players of Bangalore. BDFA won all the previous editions of this tournament.

BDFA IX gets a first-round bye and will play against the winner of Davangere and Belgaum district in the quarter-final, tomorrow, Sunfay, May 11, 4 pm.

Team: Nikhil Bernard (HAL), Hariharan (ISRO), Vinod Kumar (HAL), Chethan Kumar (HAL), B.Ramesh (BEML), S.Kiran Kumar (BG BLUES), Aiyappa.K.P (SAI), Karhigeyan (HAL), Moahan (BEL), Arokia Raj Kenneth (SAI), H.Subba (CIL), Arun Pondey (POSTAL), Vinoth Kumar V (RWF), Praveen J (Dharmaraja Union), V Vinod (Bangalore Independent), Lokesh.C (VFC), Leo Lawrence (young Muslims), K Gopi (HAL)
 
Coach: J Chandrashekar (Postal)
 
Manager: T.M.G.Naidu (BDFA)