Viva Kerala won another college-testmatch against M.A. College, Kothamangalam by a 4-0 margin. It was another step towards forming a well-gelled unit.

Viva Kerala - as always - began on an attacking note and was quick to penetrate the college team's goalmouth. However, strikers Abbey and Ebin Rose missed a lot of chances in the first quarter of the match.

In the 35th minute, a cracking shot by Ghanaian striker Wisdom Abbey was handled by a college defender and thus the referee awarded a spot-kick. Bimal Birua took the responsibility and made it 1-0 for Viva. 

But the college team came back strongly, creating some havoc in the Viva backline. It was obvious that this department of the team needs to be strengthened. However, it was Viva which consolidated its lead several minutes later, when Wisdom Abbey headed in a cross by left back Muhammad Shafeeq. The trialist still needs to work on his stamina and quickness, but his performance was very appealing.

Ebin Rose was again the livewire of Viva's attack, creating a lot of openings and constantly releasing shots on goal. He hit the post twice and before halftime was tackled by a college defender inside the box. The referee kept mum on this occasion to everyone's surprise.

After the break, the college boys, which put up a good fight, had their chance to reduce the margin, but the effort was brilliantly parried by substitute 'keeper M. Shiju.  Shabbas Shaleel had opportunities to increase the lead, but missed an open net twice.

In the 79th minute, Ebin's earned his goal when he found the net courtesy a trademark-strike from 33 yards. James Sing's thunderbolt shot in the 88th minute rounded off the tally.

Assistant coach Binu George was not entirely happy with his team's show and said that the players still have some work to do in order to compete at India's highest level. However, he is satisfied with the boys'  fitness levels. Another reason for joy is the improvement of Jo Paul Ancheri. The former Indian international is steadily upping his game and the team management is right in nurturing him back into the game.

In another development, Alfred Nii Larbi will finally not join Viva Kerala. Instead, the management has decided to bolster the backline and thus has invited Ghanaian stopper back George Tutu for trials. He has previously played for Okwawu United in Ghana.

Viva: Purushothaman (Shiju) - Shamim, Khelemba (Santosh), Sajeesh, Shafeeq - Birua (Shaleel), James Singh, Ancheri (Jotin Singh), Lalu (Santa Singh) - Rose, Abbey (Rawat).

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