Parle FC successfully defend the Vile Parle Premier League title

While most Indian Football fanatics were busy with the title decider Bengaluru FC vs. Mohun Bagan AC I-League clash, a bunch of 1,500 people in Vile Parle were spectators to the VPPL Season 5 finale between Parle FC and Parle Dazzlers.

Earlier in the tournament Parle Mavericks and Parle Ashkickers to VPC while VPC winners Parle Heats and play-off winners Parle Tigers clinched promotion to the VPPL.

The Grand Finale of VPPL was witnessed by Sumeet Raghavan of Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai fame who was there to promote his upcoming film ‘Sandook’ with couple of his cast members as Chief Guests. The game was also witnessed by Kundan Chandra – Head of Youth Development of presenting partners Mumbai FC as well as by Mumbai FC player and Indian International Jayesh Rane.

It was a see-saw ride for both teams and they faced lots of obstacles to reach the Grand Finale of Mumbai’s most famous and prestigious Youth Tournament. Parle FC finished 2nd in the league table and beat 1st placed Parle Warriors in the Qualifier 1 to reach the finals.

The Dazzlers had an extra match to deal with as the faced the Messiahs in the Eliminator and then Qualifier 1’s losing team Warriors.

The match started with Andon, the highest goalscorer of the tournament, and Prince Anandraj, Mumbai FC’s under-19 player, dominating proceedings from the word go. The first half was a story of missed chances and the Dazzlers were riding their luck. Parle FC almost paid for their mistakes as a communication error between Goalkeeper Scott Moraes and a Parle FC defender threatened to break the deadlock.

The second half began in very much similar fashion. The Dazzlers dealed with tired legs having played a match more in the previous days of the tournament and it showed as Prince Anandraj put Parle FC into the lead with Andon’s cut-back as the Dazzlers’ defence could not cope up with the pace of Parle FC. Andon, who had been the most threatening player of Parle FC, got his reward as he pushed the ball into the goal’s top netting to make it 2-0. Parle player Neel Shelar completed the drubbing with a classy finish to end the game 3-0 in favour of Parle FC.

Earlier in the evening the VPC saw a play-off match between 2nd placed Parle Tigers and 3rd placed Parle Wanderers. There was a lot at stake the winner of the play-off was not only entitled to a promotion to VPPL but also a cash prize.

Parle Tigers were clear favorites in the match as they were undefeated throughout the tournament with 4 wins and 3 draws while the Wanderers had scored in only 2 of the 7 league matches, both of which they crucially won and was enough to guarantee them the 3rd spot.

In the end it was fairly easy for the Parle Tigers as a goal in each half sealed their promotion with Leander leading the way.