BSF keep hopes alive

Midfielder Harvinder Singh scored the all-important goal for BSF in 18th minute off a DS Negi-pass.

BSF, now, have 16 points from 21 matches, one less than 10th placed ITI, while Kochin have amassed 31 points from 20 ties.

In an interesting move, Kochin coach T K Chathunny sent goalkeeper Sandese upfront in the second session – Soji Joy taking his place under the bar, but the move failed to yield any positive results.

In the 84th, Kochin got a chance to equalise but Jo Paul Anchrey’s heroic effort was foiled by BSF keeper Bibash Saha, who stopped it inches from the goalline. The Kochin team protested saying the ball had crossed the line, but the referee stood by his decision.

Kochin got chances in the dying moments, but failed to capitalise on them.

The second half saw some rough play, prompting referee Krishan Avtar to show one red and three yellow cards. Eugene Gray of Kochin was given marching orders, when he punched BSF forward NG Mandi while K Mobi Singh of BSF and Kochin’s Joseph and Sandese got the yellow cards.