Striker David enjoys dream debut

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ICF had a new hero and a familiar villain against Tamil Nadu Police in their Chennai Football Association senior division league opener on Sunday.

M. David was the man of the moment for the most successful team in city football. The striker struck the winner for ICF on his debut. His animated celebrations indicated what the goal meant for him.

ICF coach P. Thulasi’s gamble of making double substitutions five minutes after the break paid handsome dividends.

Even though ICF had been the better team in the first half, a goal eluded them. So the onus of breaking the deadlock fell on David, who replaced the beefy R.P. Ashok Kumar in the front line.

David plunged into action straightaway. He came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when he rattled a post with a snap shot.

But he didn’t have to wait long to realise his dream as he found the target in the very next move. David swept home winger S. Suresh Kumar’s exquisite cut back and peeled away in sheer joy. The spirited sprint and chest-thumping have become the diminutive striker’s signature celebrations.
On the final day of the season in 2010, David was on the other side of the fence. Playing for Chennai Customs in a virtual title decider against ICF, he paved the way for his current team’s defeat by scoring a superb goal. The match descended into chaos over a decision of the referee and the two teams have become bitter rivals ever since.

Eyebrows were raised when David left Customs for ICF, but the forward isn’t unduly perturbed. “I’m only focused on doing well for ICF. Scoring on my debut was a dream. I want to prove myself in the subsequent matches and seal a permanent job with ICF,” he said.

David ran on to hug Ashok near the touchline after finding the back of the net, even as his on-field teammates were in hot pursuit. “Ashok had told me that I would score when I entered the field. I wanted to share my joy with him,” he added. Long-time ICF followers might have guessed the identity of the villain.

J. Auxiano was at it again. The stocky left-back earned the wrath of referee Meganathan by elbowing a Police player, which resulted in his second yellow. Only a few minutes ago, he was cautioned for time wasting.

An infuriated Thulasi rained abuses on Auxiano. The coach was in no mood to forgive the defender even after the match. With scores of fans watching,

Thulasi ripped Auxiano apart. “He should prove himself with his game. There is no excuse for getting the second yellow card. It was a reckless tackle. Despite my repeated warnings, Auxiano hasn’t reformed himself,” he said. Auxiano and red cards have an affinity.

The ICF player missed the crucial fixture against Customs in 2010 through suspension. Subsequently, he was suspended for the final of an all-India tournament held in Chennai. He completed his quota of red card in the 2011 league as well.