Bhawanipore FC and Langsning FC played out a frenetic 3-3 draw at the Football Stadium here on Thursday, even as Emta Mohammedan Sporting extended its lead at the top of the second division I-League table.
During what was a hectic game of football, Bhawanipore and Langsning missed a penalty each while the defending was generally disorganised.
The result left the former in second place (10 points) and the latter joint third (9 points) with Mumbai Tigers.
Scoring responsibilities
With Marco Barreto starting on the bench, his fellow Brazilian Hudson Lima Silva took over the goal-scoring responsibilities.
He put Bhawanipore ahead, his free-kick on 13 minutes hitting the post before ricocheting in off the goalkeeper L. Prem Kumar Singh.
Langsning’s response was immediate. In the 17th minute, Nabachandra Singh squared for Daniel Bidemi in the box, and the captain tapped in without fuss.
The Shillong side went ahead three minutes later, Marlangki Suting weaving past two defenders before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Wild pace
The game was unfolding at a wild pace now, chances arriving at either end. Bhawanipore equalised on the brink of half-time, Dipendu Dowary slotting Silva’s cross in.
The second half provided more of the same entertainment. Silva won a penalty five minutes in but his effort from the spot was weak and saved by Prem Kumar Singh. Frustration turned to despair as Joel Sunday scored at the other end three minutes later.
Silva redeemed himself a little later, however, levelling things at 3-3 with a fine finish. The sides continued flinging punches at each other and with seven minutes left it was Langsning’s turn to win a penalty. Typical of the game, Sunday’s shot was saved by Rupak Dutta.
Earlier in the day, in contrast, a Charles Dzisah penalty handed Mohammedan Sporting a 1-0 win over Southern Samity and sent it four points clear at the top.
The results: Emta Mohammedan SC 1 (Charles Dzisah 35) bt Southern Samity 0; Bhawanipore FC 3 (Hudson Lima Silva 13, 69, Dipendu Dowary 45) drew with Langsning FC 3 (Daniel Bidemi 17, Marlangki Suting 20, Joel Sunday 53).
