'Santosh trophy win was something special'

Bengal's star performer Denson Devadas might be a Keralite but the regional factor does not matter for the diminutive midfielder.

Devadas, who struck twice in his side's entertaining 2-1 victory over Punjab in the Santosh Trophy final, termed the title triumph as the most memorable moment of his life.

"I am really proud after this. This moment will remain etched forever as I look back to my career," said Devadas, who plays for Chirag United in the I-League.

Asked why he preferred playing for Bengal, he said, "The regionalism factor does not play a role when he is playing on the field. My aim is to score goals and I give my best always."

Devadas hails from a place called Bernassery in Kannur district in Kerala.

Devadas scored in the 45+3rd and 78th minutes to help Bengal rally past Punjab in the summit clash, a triumph that ended their 11 years wait.

The 29 times champions had last won the title in Chennai in April 1999.

In jubilation moments, Bengal coach Shabbir Ali was lifted by the team-mates as they sang 'three cheers for Bengal'.

Ali also termed it the most memorable moment of his life and gave full credit to the team-mates. "The win is for them. It's the boys who have made it. I have a small role to play," he said.

Lauding Devadas for his twin goal effort, Ali said, "He is a spectacular player and his goals today were class apart."

With Bengal suffering from injury woes to their star forwards Shankar Oraon and Nilendra Dewan, TFA graduate Robin Singh, a six feet tall robust striker, had to play the makeshift role.

Robin grabbed the opportunity with both hands playing a stellar role in Bengal's campaign as he had scored an 84th minute equaliser against Goa to script Bengal's turnaround.

The Noida-lad dedicated this success to his mother who incidentally is a Bengali.

"This moment is for my mother. She is very proud of me. Both my parents were here. I will really relish this moment. I will stay in Bengal for at least two more years and make my career," Robin, who is contracted with East Bengal, said.