Vijayan shoots down BSF with brace 

October 07, 1997 

Indian Express 
 
NEW DELHI, Oct 6: A splendid back volley from IM Vijayan, who scored a spectacular brace, helped FC Kochin beat back a determined challenge from Border Security Force in a Group B match of the Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium this evening. The Kochi side won 2-1 after being locked 1-1 at half-time. 

Vijayan, facing away from the goal, got a perfect pass from Shaheed Akinsanya following a flag kick taken by Friday Elaiho. 

In the other match of the day, also from Group B, Air-India, up by two goals at half-time, handed Mohammedan Sporting one of their worst defeats.BSF, who came through qualifying rounds, earned the appreciation of all, including the technical director of FC Kochin, Scotsman George Blues, who admitted, ``They played really well. In the first-half, the mid-field was controlled by them.'' 

The BSF fight was all the more admirable in the light of the early strike by Kochin. A low header by Vijayan following a defence lapse within two minutes of start, put the Kochi side 1-0 up. The cross from KT Ranjit was a beauty and Vijayan did complete justice to it. 

BSF did not let that pull them down as they made several attempts. But their strikers were found wanting when it came to the final shy at the goal. The equaliser finally came mid-way through the session when they converted a flag kick. 

Abhay Mahato took the kick and Harbinder slotted in a powerful grounder to make the scores 1-1, which is the way it went into half-time.For Air India, PJ Jose and Khenthang Paite struck twice each while Abbas Ali Rizvi scored once. Mohammad Shahbuddin, coming in for Sanjay Manjhi, got the lone strike for the Calcutta club. 
 

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