Defending champions Rahul Sankrutyayan Sports Association’s diminutive striker Badal Soren bulged the net twice with his powerful right footers to bring their campaign back on track with a 2-0 win over Nagpur Blues in the ongoing JSW Elite Division League organised by Nagpur District Football Association at its Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium in Suyog Nagar, north Nagpur.

Rahul SSA who were stunned by Qidwai Club in their tournament opener produced a much better performance.

Soren scored goals in 4th and 80th minutes of play to help his side earn full three points in the second round of the tournament.

For Nagpur Blues, this was their first defeat after they crushed former five times champions Rabbani 3-0 in their first round match earlier this week.

Rahul SSA once again missed their dependable players defender Stanley Peter and midfielder Vasu Kanojiya who are on Maharashtra duty playing Santosh Trophy. The club will be without these players for a few of more matches until the duo return early next month.

However, in their absence Valerian Paul and Arikswamy Anthony did a nice job playing the feeders’ role to perfection. Paul was seen all over the field running as hard as he can supporting the forwards as well as assisting the defence line guarded by Aabid, Rahul Neware, Anuj Gorey and Sagar Chintala.

Determined to bounce back after the opening game stunner, Rahul started in the right earnest as Soren was on the money in the fourth minute surprising Nagpur Blues goalkeeper Kunal Shigne. Midfielder Paul dribbled past Blues players at the centre line and pushed the ball towards an unmarked Soren who moved to the right and made space for himself. With no one to tackle him Soren used all his energy to boom in a powerful right footer from 40 yards. Blues custodian was caught on the wrong foot while backing up to collect the ball. He tried to palm it away but the ball brushed his fingers and landed into the net to complete an exciting goal for Rahul.

Nagpur Blues forwards Shobit Harde, the star of their opening win, Ata-ur-Rehman, Imtesal Khan and Anish Francis worked hard to find gap in rival defence but were denied but the tough marking.

At the stroke of half-time Blues got a chance to level when the got a free kick on the edge of the rectangle but Aditya Chandane’s shot flew over the post.

Rahul boys were pushed to the wall in the second half with Blues making some dangerous moves. Harde had an opportunity in the 73rd minute but his attempt was well saved by Rahul goalkeeper Shubham Kanojiya.

But it was Rahul who made most of the limited opportunities they got in the second session. Soren, who was fast with his moves, got a beautiful cross pass from left flank from Aman Kiranpure in the 80th minute. The agile striker managed to breach Blues defence and entered the box to score an easy goal after beating goalkeeper Shigne.

On Saturday: Rabbani vs Qidwai at 2.30 pm.