ST. Joseph’s-cfa senior division league: AG’s Office gift title to Chennai Customs

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AG’s Office Recreation Club (AGORC) have won the St. Joseph’s-CFA senior division league … for Chennai Customs.

AGORC had to beat the bottom-placed Chennai FC at the Nehru Stadium on Thursday to force a title playoff with Customs, but the defending champions produced their worst game of the season to play out a goalless draw with Chennai. The result condemned Chennai to the first division next season.

Customs, who finished their engagements in the 12-team league with an unbeaten record and 29 points, should be happy with AGORC’s precious gift because they have reclaimed the title without the headache of a playoff.

Customs coach S. Grand Duraipandian must be over the moon. A man who wears his heart on his sleeve, Grand had been desperate to bring the title back to Customs after losing it to AGORC last year.

The less said the better about AGORC’s performance. AGORC were pathetic; they played like a team bound for relegation.

What motivation did they need other than taking the title race to a playoff? The performance of the champions was as shocking as it was deplorable. AGORC have let down their supporters and neutral fans alike.

Many of those present at the venue rubbed their eyes in disbelief at the spineless show of AGORC. How could a team that toyed with Indian Bank and ICF play so miserably against Chennai FC?

The body language of AGORC wasn’t right from the start. They never showed the urgency to win the match. Instead, they appeared content to stroke the ball around as if they had already clinched the title.

AGORC manager Vijaykumar blamed over confidence for the disastrous result. “Our midfield failed completely. The forward line wasn’t any better. We failed to create many chances as our midfield couldn’t produce sharp through balls,” he said.

But the naked truth is Vijaykumar’s team didn’t give their 100% on Thursday. AGORC players didn’t even show the passion of the fans who shouted themselves hoarse from the stands.

Dropping points is no crime — even the greatest teams in the world do fail at times — but not playing to their full potential and lethargic attitude aren’t pardonable. AGORC created just a couple of chances in the 90 dreadful minutes.

The best opportunity fell to P. Muthu in the closing stage. With the goal at his mercy, the veteran striker drilled the ball wide.

It has to be admitted that Chennai entered the field with the sole intention of spoiling AGORC’s title chances. They defended with 10 men from start to finish. But Chennai’s defensive approach is not an excuse for AGORC’s lack of drive and ambition.

When Chennai indulged in blatant time wasting after the break, there was no protesting voice from the AGORC bench. The muted response of AGORC was strange and unbelievable.

The match will be a blot on AGORC, who had avoided relegation three years ago under questionable circumstances. Maybe they had to pay a price for the Nethaji sin. The match on Thursday was a bad advertisement for AGORC, the CFA league and Chennai football.

There is no doubt that Customs deserve the title but it would have been better if they won it after beating AGORC in a playoff.

Results: Senior division: AGORC 0 drew with Chennai FC 0. MoM: Naveen Kumar (AGORC). First division: DBYC (Broadway) 4 (Rajesh, Vijay Bharath) bt Nethaji 0.
Action today Senior division: FCI vs Central Excise (5 pm).