JCT thrash HAL 3-0

Bangalore, Mar 5 (UNI) A fine brace by skipper Chidi Edeh powered JCT to a runaway 3-0 win over local leaue champions Hindusthan Aeronautics Sports Club (HASC) in the eighth round of the National Football League for ONGC Cup at BDFA Stadium here today.

The winners led 2-0 at lemon break.

Chidi opened the account in 18th minute by moving in quickly lapping on to a pass following a good one-two effort between striker Daljeet Singh and Baldeep Junior.

The visitors doubled the lead within a couple of minutes with Sunil Chhetri superbly heading home off a free kick by P Renedy Singh. The free kick was awarded by Referee Benjamin Silva of Goa as Raghui Singh obstructed Chhetri.

With the victory in no doubt, the millmen further increased the lead when the Nigerian childi scored his second goal heading into the net a free kick taken again by Renedy Singh just before final whistle. The free kick was awarded as C Prakash obstructed Abebayo.

The red-clad millmen, blocked the runway right of the Aircraftmen right from the start and left the opponents grounded. HASC proved no match to JCT who, after losing the match that they must have won against Air India, made ample amends.

With this win, JCT took its points tally to nine with two wins and three draws in eighth matches, while HAL remained at six points with one win and three draws from eight matches.

In the ninth round encounters, HASC meet Dempo on March 17 here while JCT play Mahindra United on March 25 in Mumbai.

UNI