Sporting edges out JCT 2-1, maintains position at the top

Margao, Nov 30 (UNI) Powered by a splendid brace by Nigerian Junior Elijah, Sporting club de Goa edged out JCT 2-1 and maintained the top position with 25 points at the end of the last round of the first leg ONGC I League Championship match here at Nehru stadium at Fatorda today.

In a dull first half, JCT had the edge and had more possesion though the play was restricted to the midifled for the major part.

Sporting drew first blood in the 29th minute through Elijah when medio Joseph Pereira unleashed a close range shot which JCT goalkeeper failed to grab and rebounded towards Junior, who just tapped the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

Inspired by the lead, Sporting accelerated the pace of their game and increased their lead in the 47th minute through Elijah (his brace) off a well measured pass received from Bibian Fernandes.

JCT reduced the margin in the 56th minute through Jagpreet Singh, whose powerful volley found the net following a throw in by Jaspal singh.

Sporting had another chance to increase their lead, two minutes before the long whistle when Anthony D'souza initiated a move and pass to Mickey Ferandes whose shot was smartly saved by rival goalkeeper Karanjeet Singh.

JCT defender Julius Akpale was later adudged the man of the match for his fine performance.

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