Santosh Trophy: Services edge Kerala, in final

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Services have entered the final of the 66th Santosh Trophy.

They registered a 2-1 win against Kerala in the first semi-final at the Barabati Stadium here on Friday.

Subrata Sarkar scored an early goal before Kerala centre-back Marsook doubled the lead with an own goal.

For the losers, substitute Vineeth Antony pulled one back from the spot. This is the first time in five years that Services would vie for the title.

A poor piece of defending resulted in the opener on five minutes. Kerala centre-back Marsook made a horrible clearance when Services right-winger Sanju Subba whipped in a cross.

The ball fell nicely on to Subrata’s path on the right and the agile striker beat an advancing Kerala goalkeeper Joby Joseph with a well-measured lob. Joby had a terrible day at office.

His tentative approach and uncertain gathering heaped pressure on Kerala.

Kerala’s comeback plans received a blow when Marsook headed in at the wrong end early in the second half.

The defender, who also had a nightmarish outing, tried to clear a harmless cross sent in by Services centre-back P.S. Sumesh from the right. Marsook went a step ahead and found the target for the opposition.

With their backs to the wall, Kerala launched relentless attacks. However, Services custodian M. Nanao Singh came up with scintillating saves to deny the southern state.

Near the hour mark, Vineeth sent in a left-footed pile-driver but Nanao made a superb acrobatic block on his left. He stood like a rock when Shibin Lal peppered his goal with powerful shots.

Kerala finally found the target in the 84th minute when right-back P. Usman was brought down by Nanao after the Kerala player had rounded him and was about to pull the trigger. Vineeth, who had replaced Mohamed Rasi, sent a low shot to beat a diving Nanao.

Kerala went for the jugular in search of an equaliser. However, it proved to be too little too late for the five-time champions.

Results: SF: Services 2 (Subrata Sarkar 5, Marsook 50 OG) bt Kerala 1 (Vineeth Antony 84).