Boys from Punjab push JCT up the ladder

The point of note, however, is Jagatjit Cotton Textile Mills’ steady climb to the fourth spot ahead of Salgaocar. JCT forced Churchill to share a point in Ludhiana. They have been silently inching ahead, away from the glare of the spotlight, and their show in the first leg should please coach Parminder Singh. JCT is mainly a team of local talents from Punjab. The fact that they have managed to remain among the top six is an indication that contrary to the belief, talent is not drying up in the state which boasts of a rich past in thegame.

Salgaocar, the defending champions from Goa, who led the table a few rounds ago, managed to check their losing streak. Their performance against Mahindras in Mumbai will surely be a cause of concern for coach Shabbir Ali. Salgaocar managed a goalless draw after the Mumbai team missed chances galore. They have scored seven goals in 11 matches, another reason to worry for Ali.

Another team quietly making progress is SBT. Although a victory against Dempo in the 11th round is hardly a big achievement, considering Dempo’s current form, first-timers SBT will be delighted at having finished this leg on the same rung as East Bengal and Kochin. Victories over Churchill and East Bengal will be their sweetest memories from this leg.

The foreign connection in this edition of the National Football League was evident in Calcutta last week. Two high-scoring matches with the local giants coming out on top. Nine goals in all, three each by the winning sides. All goals by the winners were scored by foreigners.

Willy Brown scored twice for East Bengal with Emmanuel Opoku scoring the third. Stephen Abarowei struck two for Bagan and Igor Skhvirin added the third. The most spectacular was Kochin skipper Jo Paul Ancheri’s curling freekick wich curved past East Bengal goalkeeper Prasanta Dora to give Kochin the lead.