Western Union Senior Division Football League
Russell delay Brothers' party
Sports Reporter
Brother Union closed in on their maiden league title when they managed a 4-2 win against Arambagh Krira Sangha in the crucial return-leg match of the Western Union Premier Division Football League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. But the big-spending Gopibagh outfit will have to put their party on hold until their next game against Shiekh Russell Krira Chakra on Tuesday, to ensure that one important point that will put the title issue beyond doubt. However a resolute Russell gave a warning to Brothers after they pulled off a sensational 2-1 win against Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra in the second game of the day. The victory opened up an outside chance for the new boys to wrest the initiative from the firm grip of Brothers provided that results of the next three games of both teams go their way. Presently Russell, who have 29 from 15 games, are trailing Brothers by eight points. The promotees can turn the title race on its head if they beat Brothers and sail past their next two opponents Badda and Wanderers. On the other hand a defeat will leave Brothers on a nervy ride in their last two games against Abahani and Muktijoddha. A double strike by Moroccan forward Twaiti Younes gave Russell all three points against giants Muktijoddha. Younes gave Russell a 32nd minute lead with a nice header from a Nurul Islam cross. Muktijoddha's Ghanaian recruit Ghansa grabbed an equalizer in the 73rd minute when the tall defender tapped home a Belal long throw-in. But Younes killed Muktijo-ddha's chase for a title treble a minute later when he seized on a poor back pass from Ghansha and cleverly lobbed the ball over the advancing Muktijoddha custodian Aminul. Brothers also struggled for their victory over Arambagh with Alfaz scoring twice and their leading marksman Victor notching one after Iqbal opened the scoring early in the first half. Sohel reduced the margin for Arambagh twice after the break. Iqbal brilliantly headed home an Arman curling free-kick in the 15th minute and Russian striker Victor doubled the margin in the 32nd minute with a neat placing shot. It was Victor's 10th league goal. But Arambagh refused give up with Sohel scoring twice in the space of 13 minutes. Alfaz however saved Brothers' blushes netting the third goal 68th minute and stepped up to score the fourth from a penalty awarded in the 83rd minute.
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