Sporting holds JCT to goaless draw

Margao, Feb 4 (UNI) Sporting club de Goa today squandered a few winning opportunities and had to be content with a goalless draw against former champions JCT Mills Phagwara in the 15th round ONGC I League championship match played here at Nehru stadium in Fatorda today.

With this draw Millmen maintained their third position with 26 point from 15 outings, while Sporting increased their points tally to 17 points from equal number of outings.

It was a tale of missed chances for Sporting in both the halves.

They could have won the out right had not JCT goalkeeper Karanjit Singh brought off fine saves and rescue his team from goal damage.

Sporting started with full steam and came up with the first good move as early as in the 10th minute when Bisherwar Singh initiated a move and pass to Junior Elijah, whose shot was well saved by rival goalkeer Karanjit Singh.

JCT in the counter attack came near scoring in the 16th minute of the first half but Baljit Singh Saini wasted an easy chance of a pass received from Eduardo Escobar.

Sporting had a golden opportunity to move ahead in the 24th minute of the first half when Micky Fernandes with solo efforts from the mid field ran down with the ball and unleashed a shot which was brilliantly saved by Karanjit Singh again.

Sporting were further frustrated a minute before the breather when Edjei Lawrence initiated a move and sent a floating cross to Harmanjot Singh Khabra, whose header too was saved by the rival goalkeepr.

After cross over Millmen regrouped themselves well and could have surged ahead in the 59th minute but Edwardo's header sailed over the bar.

In the 80th minute, Sporting Mickey Ferandes made an attempt to score the winning goal but luck did not smile on him as the JCT goalkeepr Karanjit Singh brought a smart save diving to his left and rescued his team from the defeat.

Sporting Medio Mickey Ferandes was later adjudged the man of the match for his fine performance.

UNI SRN RN AB HT2035