Mahindra United holds East Bengal

MUMBAI, MARCH 9. Local outfit Mahindra United missed some easy chances and held Kolkata giant East Bengal to a goalless draw in the fifth edition of the National football league played at Cooperage here on Friday.

Mahindras played a spirited game after defeating strong Goan outfit Salgaocar Sports Club 2-1 in its last engagement at home.

Mahindras missed some easy scoring opportunities. The first of it came in the fifth minute itself, striker Raman Vijayan's right- footer off Anthony Pereira pass hit the cross bar and was cleared by East Bengal defenders.

Again in the 23rd minute, Harish Sharma, who replaced striker Manjit Singh gave a pass to Satish Minz who in turn diverted the ball to S. Venkatesh in the penalty area but Venkatesh's left- footer missed the target.

Raman Vijayan again had a chance in the 33rd minute. After receiving the pass from Ramesh Rajak, he shot straight into the hands of East Bengal goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee.

East Bengal didn't have any scoring opportunity as such in the first half though they stretched Mahindra defence. As a result both the teams were level at 0-0 at half time.

After the change of ends, East Bengal had an opportunity in the 52nd minute when Bijen Singh's shot went out.

Mahindra could have scored in the 74th minute but substitute Christopher's header off Harish Sharma's free kick went just above the bar.

Again in the 87th minute, Mahindra's Iranian recruit Gholam Reza received captain Aqeel Ansari's free kick and hit a header but missed the target.

Despite this draw, East Bengal still leads the table with 27 points while Mahindra managed to increase its tally to 14 points.

- PTI

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Section  : Sport
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