AIRBORNE ASSAULT...Bombay Muslims take to the air action-packed moment against Tipu Sultan (yellow shirts) in the Senior Division at the Cooperage.

MUMBAI, July 25: Bombay Muslims' garrison held firm against a determined Tipu Sultan siege in the Gulf Oil WIFA Senior Division football league match at the Cooperage, today.

A 2-1 win after being two goals to the good at half-time enabled Bombay Muslims gather 10 points from six games -- a prospect that seemed distant as Tipu Sultan had them defending their citadel for dear life in a furious second-half onslaught.

The result left a frustrated Tipu Sultan -- and Anthony Powel whose penalty miss proved crucial -- with 13 points from eight games that ended their first-leg campaign.

Powel blasted wide from the spot with only nine minutes to go, for, after a succession of offensives on the Muslims' goal, his side deserved opportunity to score.

The award came after needless handling of the ball by substitute Vittukula Lingaraj and it presented Powel with the chance of an encore.

The striker met with success first time around after a doubtful award by referee K Sengupta came Tipu Sultan's way in the 57th minute -- Ranjit Gharami's bringing down Shamshuddin appeared to be a wee-bit out of the area.

Bombay Muslims' stout defence in the second half contrasted a first-half domination during which Altaf Mansari and Haji Pasha put them 2-0 ahead.

A cross from the right by Stanley D'Souza saw Mansari use his left foot to good effect and with two minutes to the breather Pasha found the roof with a powerful right-footer.

The second-half almost completely belonged to Tipu Sultan who should have scored at least two more goals from ample chances, apart from the wasted penatly.

Ayaz Hussain could have scored a classic goal after Shamshuddin crossed but his effort went wide, eluding Powel's desperate attempt to find the net with a header.

Ayaz went close again a minute later when a left-footed shot from outside the area rose an erratic Asif Ansari to a fine save -- jumping high to fist over for a corner.

The penalty, seconds later as the Muslims' defence wilted, stemmed from unrelenting pressure but Powel's damp squib staved off the drama of an equaliser.

D'Assisi prevail

Goals by Darrel Kinny, Kenneth D'Costa and Tyron enabled D'Assisi SC beat Trade India 3-1 in the First Division. Ronnie John reduced the margin.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.