HAL downs SBT 1-0

Bangalore, May 8 (UNI) Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club (HAL) defeated State Bank of Travancore 1-0 in the final round of the second division ONGC Cup 10th National Football League here today, keeping alive their hopes of making it to the NFL first division.

The local favourites, who collected nine points, were now left with no option, but to hope for the defeat of the Tata Football Academy (TFA) by a 3-0 margin at the hands of table leaders Coca Cola Churchill Brothers tomorrow.

SBT remained at the bottom of the points table by earning only one point after completing all the five matches in the final round.

The all important goal was scored in the first half when Nigerian striker Kenneth Onu netted the ball, encashing on a long pass by mid-fielder Rajender Prasad in the 13th minute.

The airmen could have increased their tally, but missed many a chance. Captain Xavier Vijay Kumar failed to score at least thrice as his aim was poor. Rajender Prasad failed to net the ball which bounced back after hitting the bar in the 78th minute.

Though the bankmen had full control of the ball after the local outfit gained an early lead, they failed to break the defence wall of the airmen.

UNI MSP GD AY PC1946