Assam edges out Chandigarh, Services rout Sikkim 7-1

Faridabad, Sep 17 (UNI) Chandigarh fought a grim battle but Bulu Zindung's first half strike helped Assam not only to beat their rivals 1-0 but also kept alive the northeastern state's Cluster IV hopes in the 61st National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy here today.

Despite Assam's technical supriority, both the teams were evenly matched in the game. Chandigarh, however, had to pay the price for their defensive approach which allows Assam midfield possession even though poor finishing meant they had to wait for 36 minutes before the lone goal came.

It was a goalmouth melee when an Assamm forward sent a cross and Bulu Zindung literally rose to the occasion and nodded it in past a befuddled Chandigarh goalkeeper Harvindar Pal.

Assam could have increased the lead but for their profligate forwards and Chandigarh defenders did a decent job.

In another match this afternoon, Services clobbered Sikkim 7-1 in another Cluster IV match.

In a one-sided match, Services led 6-0 at half time.

Ngurneilal scored three goals for the winners, while Shaji D' Silva, Tridaya Raj, Vivek Venugopal and A Thirunavakarsu chipped in with one each.

The lone Sikkim goal came in the second half.

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