Kochi: Defending champions Malappuram cruised into the final of state senior inter-district football championship with a 3-0 victory over Idukki at Arapetta in Wayanad on Sunday .
The holders got all three of their goals in the first half and defended as a unit to seal a convincing semifinal victory and ensure a consecutive entry into the title round.
The title match to be played on Monday offers the champion side, skip pered by Santosh Trophy goalkeeper Nasseb, a chance to renew their rivalry with Kasargod, whom they defeated in the same stage last year.
Striker Javed opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and Idukki gifted a second 12 minutes later when Mohammed Sali felled a Malappuram attacker inside the box.
Nasrudheen stepped up and converted from the spot before Mohammed Irshad hammered the final nail on the coffin with a killer strike two minutes from half time.
