Army XI trounces SBT 3-2

Bangalore, Apr 28 (UNI) Army XI registered a well deserved victory against State Bank of Travancore (SBT) 3-2 in the Second Division ONGC Cup 10th National Football League (Final Round) here today.

At lemon time both the teams were locked at 1-1.

Army Men, who had tasted defeat at the hands of Tata Football Academy in the inaugural encounter, played an attacking game right from the beginning and opened the account in the very third minute when Vijaya Thapa netted the ball, encashing on a superb pass by striker Nguernilal.

Bank striker Mohammed Aslam brought the equaliser by pushing a pass by Mohammed Haris in the 15th minute. Maintaining the tempo, mid-fielder M A Abdul Hakkim scored a solo goal in the 54th minute to enable Bankmen to take a 2-1 lead.

However, their joy was shortlived as Army guns were fired in the 58th minute with striker Nguernilal taking advantage of a free kick. Within couple of minutes they went one up (3-2) as again Nguernilal scored in the 60th minute.

Bankmen's efforts to score an equaliser, even during four minute injury time, went in vain as Army men displayed superb skill in defence and thwarted their efforts.

While Army XI had three points from two matches, SBT, which had succeeded in drawing with Vasco Sports Club in the first encounter, had just one point to its credit.

UNI MSP RG HVB1900