Haryana moves to next level despite 0-0 draw with Bihar

Gurgaon, Sep 18 (UNI) Despite a sizeable partisan crowd roaring them on, a listless Haryana were held to a goalless draw by Bihar in their Cluster I match, even though that was enough for the hosts to qualify for the next round of the 61st National Football Championship for Santosh trophy.

It was Haryana's better goal average that sent them to the pre-quarterfinal knockout phase of the tournament. They had beaten Pondicherry 3-0 in their earlier encounter as against Bihar's 1-0 win against the same opponent.

Haryana will now play the winner of tomorrow's Cluster II match between Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya for a place in the quarterfinal.

The dull first half had little to cheer about even though the hosts had better of the exchanges in the first 15 minutes. But Bihar soon grew in confidence and there was nothing to separate the two teams.

In fact, Bihar threatened to seize the initiative in the 21st minute when Bhavesh Kumar unleashed a dangerous left-footed long ranger from outside the box but it was fisted over the bar by the Haryana goalkeeper and striker Ramesh Kumar's go at the goal from the resultant corner was again saved by the Haryana custodian.

Haryana had a half chance in the 30th minute when left winger Habib Khan's low cross just missed Parveen Arora's outstretched leg and a sliding right back Surebdera Yadav kicked away the ball to safety.

The second half saw a slightly better display by both the teams and again Bihar threatened to take the lead in the 73rd minute.

A long clearance by Bihar defender Ram Raksha Yadav caught the Haryana defence off-guard and reached right winger Babloo Kumar Yadav who found himself free of his marker on the top of the box. He sprinted down a few yards but could not control the ball properly with defender Pawan closely chasing him and the Haryana winger's shot was blocked by the advancing goalkeeper.

Haryana, meanwhile, got their best chance to seal the match in the 84th minute when Parveen Arora found himself in a good position and in possession of the ball in the rival half. The Haryana player cut through the defence but confronted by the onrushing goalkeeper, he shot it over the bar to waste a golden opportunity.

UNI PDS AY BS1823