JCT's chances to move to top three nipped by draw with Bagan

Ludhiana, Feb 16 (UNI) JCT Phagwara's chances of moving to top of the league table suffered a setback today as it drew 1-1 with Mohun Bagan in the pen-ultimate match of the i-League at Gurunanak Stadium here.

The goal scorers were Habib-ur-Rahman for the Mohun Bagan in the 26th minute and JCT skipper Sunil Chhetri in 56th minute.

With this draw, JCT now have 30 points and remain at the third spot in the league table behind the champions Dempo Sports Club and Churchil Brothers. Mohun Bagan remain at the 4th spot.

In a fast-paced match, the Kolkata outfit took the lead in the 26th minutes through the solo efforts by Habib-ur-Rahman.

However, in the second half, the millmen pulled up their socks and put pressure on the rival defence.

In the 56th minute JCT striker Eduardo Escobar sent a through pass at the penalty area to Chhetri whose powerful volley beat the Bagan custodian and helped JCT to draw level.

Thereafter the millmen were all over the Muhun Bagan defence but Kolkata men kept their cool to draw the match.

JCT had beaten Mohan Bagan 2-1 in the away match at Kolkata in November last year.

The millmen will play their last match here against Salgaonkar Sports Club on February 23 while Mohun Bagan would clash with Mahindra United on the same day.

UNI HS JN AB KP1856