SHILLONG: In what was a pulsating U-20 I-League match at the JRD Tata Complex, in the sweltering heat of Jamshedpur, Shillong Lajong FC and Churchill Brothers SC played out a goalless draw to share the spoils in their opening group encounter.
Both teams had an equal number of missed opportunities to go in front, more so the Shillong Lajong side, which got off the blocks quickly and created the first real chance of the match through Bipin Singh.
The Lajong juniors continued to have better ball possession and had at least three more chances to go into the lead before the break.
The Goans, however, came out strong in the second half as they created more chances to surge ahead. Lajong also matched their counterparts play for play but neither side was able to get that all important lead. The score line remained static at the end of 90 minutes of play as both teams shared a point apiece.
Commenting on the match, coach Gumpe Rime said that it was a good first match and a neat performance from both the teams. He commended the Lajong boys for adapting and adjusting well to the conditions in Jamshedpur.
Gumpe added that the team would take heart and inspiration from the result, which he considered to be satisfactory.
In the other matches Dempo Sc edged past a determined Mumbai side 2-1 while Mohun Bagan beat Air India 2-0. Dempo surged ahead in the 13th minute through striker Clencio Pinto against last year’s runners-up Mumbai FC.
Meanwhile, East Bengal registered its first win, blanking ONGC by a solitary goal. (Agencies)
