Dempo, JCT stroll through

A draw in their final quarter final league match was enough to send both JCT Mills and Dempo FC into the semi-finals of the Osian8217;s Durand Cup from Group B.

A draw in their final quarter final league match was enough to send both JCT Mills and Dempo FC into the semi-finals of the Osian8217;s Durand Cup from Group B. But what the two teams dished out in the process today, could have driven the most loyal fan away.

With Edeh Chidi rested 8212; allowed time to recover from his thigh injury 8211; JCT, who had put four past East Bengal, missed their vital catalyst. But then, it was more the lack of intention that gave the feeling of the match being set in Rip Van Winkle country.

After a first half with hardly a move worth the mention, the second was expected to go the same way. No surprises then, that it was the two goals 8211; one for either team 8212; that were the blip on the normal proceedings.

In the 64th minute, Dempo let in a silly one. Daljit Singh sent a long throw-in from the right into the penalty box, and an unmarked Mandeep Singh took the ball, turned and to everyone8217;s surprise, even shot, for the lead. That woke up the Goan team, and three minutes later, they found an easy equaliser. Skipper Beto sent in a cross from near the goalline on the left, and with the JCT keeper Kalyan Chowbey stuck at the near post, Isfaq Ahmed, receiving the ball from just outside the 6-yard box, guided it in.

That gave Dempo and JCT five points each from three games, and the second match, between East Bengal and Army XI an air of insignificance.

But the reigning Kolkata league champions and the Durand Cup defending champions decided to grab the last chance to redeem themselves. A thriller by no means, it was still entertaining to watch. The Army team, led in attack by untiring Nguerneilal, stitched together some fast moves and got the first break.

Mahesh Rai crossed from the left, Sumit Thapa8217;s header from inside the six-yard box hit the pole and rebounded in.

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The Kolkata team finally found their scoring touch in the tournament six minutes later. Freddy Mascarenhas crossed from the right flank into the centre and captain Alvito D8217;Cunha having run in, shot straight into goal.

East Bengal haven8217;t looked fit enough and Army XI took advantage, getting the winner in the 69th minute as a Mahesh Rai shot hit goalwards was nudged in by Vijay Thapa, giving them an upset 2-1 win over the Kolkata giants.