Mixed fortunes for Goan sides

With this win, the hosts now have nine points and will play their next match against ITI, Bangalore, here on December 24. FC Kochin, who suffered their first defeat after they drew with Tollygunge (1-1), have one point. They will now move to Mumbai to play against Mahindras on December 24.

LUDHIANA: East Bengal edged past a spirited Border Security Force (BSF) by a solitary goal in a keenly contested tie.

Raman Vijayan struck the all-important goal for last year’s runners-up in the 69th minute as East Bengal, upset 0-1 by Tollygunge Agragami in their first match, scored their second win in three matches. They had beaten ITI, Bangalore, 3-1 in Calcutta.

With this win, East Bengal moved up to six points from two wins while BSF, who lost 0-1 to Mohun Bagan and beat Dempo by same margin on December 16, have three points.

BANGALORE: Salgaocar were held to a goalless draw by Indian Telephone Industries (ITI). Salgaocar, the defending champions, put up a pathetic performance and did not play as a unit. There was not even one notable move from the Goan side and the midfield did not click.

For ITI, which was having the home advantage, Nowshad Pari had all the time to boot the ball into the net from the left flank in the fourth minute but he struck wide.