Krishna Avanti visited Overdale for a potential title-decider on Monday 1st July with Overdale sitting just 1 point above Krishna Avanti, with two games to go.
WIth probably the biggest crowd of the season, Krishna Avanti kicked off and went on the attack with some neat passing and hard work. In the third minute the visitors took the lead when Dilan Rana broke free following a neat through ball. The Overdale keeper was helpless as Rana slotted the ball into the goal to put Krishna Avanti 1-0 ahead.
The lead lasted less than two minutes after an uncharacteristic mistake in midfield. Overdale equalised, leading to a game of end to end football. In the 12th minute, Overdale took the lead to the delight of the home crowd. The ball was not cleared and despite a great save from Yogiraj in goal, Overdale were the first to react. Krishna Avanti heads seemed to drop and Overdale extended the lead in the 15th minute to make it 3-1. The chance for Krishna Avanti to overtake Overdale in the league was slipping away.
The half-time team talk for Krishna Avanti was a clear message of attack, give 100% and finish the game with nothing left in the tank. The next 15 minutes were instrumental if they wanted to win the league. Yogiraj came out of goal, replaced by Kush Popat – other than that, the team remained the same.
The effort was clear to see from Krishna Avanti as Yogiraj scored within 15 seconds of the restart. Now only 1 goal behind, Krishna Avanti had belief again. It was an enthralling game with chances for both sides, albeit the more clear cut chances falling to Krishna Avanti. If it wasn’t for the Overdale keeper, the game would have certainly been Krishna Avanti’s. Overdale scored in the 17th minute to again put them two goals to the good. Nevertheless, Krishna Avanti did not give up and two more goals for Dina Rana in the 23rd and 24th minute levelled the game. Without a doubt, Krishna Avanti were the team threatening and most likely to win but the Overdale keeper was outstanding and kept the score level.
It all ended 4-4 which benefitted Overdale, still one point ahead in the league with one game remaining. To Krishna Avanti the draw felt like a loss but the team have every right to be very proud of the performance – both teams a real credit to their schools.
