JCT down PSEB, make Fed Cup main draw

CHANDIGARH, Aug 10: All the pre-match hype of Punjab State Electricty Board, Patiala PSEB being a nail in Jagatjit Cotton Textile Mill, Phagwara8217;s JCT throat went up in smoke as the millmen rode on two first-half goals to carve out a well-deserved 2-0 win in the final of the qualifying round of the Kalyani Black Label Federation Cup football tournament North Zone here at the Sector 17 Football Stadium this evening.

JCT took the lead in the 30th minute when international Harjinder took the ball from the mid-field and passed to Sukhdev Singh. Sukhdev, very cleverly sent a cross to Bhupinder Singh whose right footer gave PSEB custodian Jatinder Singh no chance.

Sanjay Majhi was finally rewarded for his perseverance in the 42nd minute when he scored his side8217;s second goal. That goal knocked the stuffing out of PSEB and JCT left no holes for them to capitalise upon in a defence oriented second half.

PSEB did not cover themselves with disgrace as they were simply up against a better side. Though the JCToutfit had many greenhorns, they were ably guided by the experienced players in the side. Add to it the fact that only JCT one player 8212; Bhupinder Singh in today8217;s game 8212; was booked in the entire qualifying round and the win becomes all the more creditable.