TN down Jharkhand 2-1: to take on Delhi in pre-quarters

Faridabad, Sep 27 (UNI) Tamil Nadu scraped past Jharkhand 2-1 in a Cluster VII match to move into the pre-quarterfinals knockout round of the 61st National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy here today.

Tamil Nadu now play Delhi in the next round on Friday.

The south Indian team opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Kulothungon's weel take shot beat the goalkeeper.

Jharkhand pressed for the equaliser and, in the process, left gaping holes in the defence. Tamil Nadu reaffirmed their lead in the 72nd min through A Jestus Antony.

Jharkhand pulled one back, although too late, when Lal Mohan Hansda converted a spot kick in the 92nd minute.

Earlier in the day, Tripura beat Uttaranchal 2-1 in a Cluster VIII match.

Dull in the beginning, the match picked up pace only in the second half when Kiran Chhetri struck in the 65th minute to put the north-eastern team ahead.

Tripura doubled the lead 11 minutes later when Chhetri again found the net. Rakesh Shah pulled one back for Uttaranchal in the 83rd minute.

UNI DH DB2054