MD Sporting holds Mahindra to a goalless draw

Kolkata, Feb 17 (UNI) Mohammedan Sporting matched step for step and move for move to hold their much fancied opponents Mahindra United to a barren draw in a fifth round match of the ONGC National Football League at the Barasat stadium here today.

Custodian Gopal Das had an excellent outing and virtually became an impreginble wall which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams.

The Kolkata giants took home a precious point from the game, as their Mumbai opponents had to grudgingly settle for a draw.

Inclusion of three foreign recruits did not help Mohammedan Sporting's cause and Liberian forward Priston or medio Ndem did little to win the confidence of the Club's supporters.

However, coach Subhash Bhowmick expressed satisfaction over his team's performance. ''For the first time this season we had a few big bodied foreign lads in our ranks. The result shows their effectiveness. It is not easy to snatch a point from Mahindra,'' Bhowmick said.

Defending champions Mahindra played an attacking brand of football, but failed to break the gritty Sporting defence. Das come up with a few outstanding saves. Yusif Yakubu came close to break the deadlock, but his efforts came of the bar, keeping alive Mohammedan Sporting's hope of staying afloat in the first division.

Tomorrow, another Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan will take on Dempo at the Salt Lake stadium here.

Mohun Bagan, who are in the relegation zone, lying second from bottom will go all out for a win. The combination of Baichung Bhutia and skipper Jose Ramirez Barreto will have to find their much needed form if the Kolkata giants want to pull off a surprise over Dempo, who are second in the league standings, having played a match less than leaders Mahindra.

Ranti Martins and company will definitely be hungry for goals and will have other ideas.

UNI