Karnataka State Police squandered half a dozen chances but hung on to a 14th-minute strike by Karthik to edge Southern Blues 1-0 in the BDFA Super Division football league at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Tuesday.
KSP were clearly the better side on the day but poor finishing prevented them from winning big. They however managed to secure their third win, taking their tally to nine points from four matches, losing only to Postal earlier in the league.
Karthik gave KSP the lead after he gained possession from a through pass from the centre by Sampath Kumar. Karthik chipped the ball over the advancing Blues’ goalkeeper Nikil C Bernard from just inside the 18-yard box.
Southern Blues pressed hard for the equaliser but the Cops custodian Nagendra was alert under the bar and twice averted the danger with smart saves to keep Blues at bay.
Thirty minutes into the first half, a long-ranger from Blues’ Don Bosco was tipped over the cross-piece by Nagendra. He then kept out a 20-yard free-kick from the left by Nirmal Kumar.
KSP shoot ahead
Soon after, KSP’s Karthik shot straight to Bernard from close range and Archan forced a goalline save from defender Cholan off a Bharath Kumar corner.
The pattern was much the same in the second half with Blues unable to penetrate the rival defence. KSP forwards enjoyed a lot of space upfront as Blues pressed for the equaliser.
KSP’s Karthigen headed wide of the near post after a cross from Arun Kumar on the left in the 51st minute, while Karthik’s volley was saved by Bernard, diving to his left.
Southern Blues, with a lone win and two losses, have three points.
In the ‘A’ Division league, Dharmaraja Union drubbed Universal 5-1. Alwyn scored three goals (11th, 58th, 90th) and Sam X struck twice (14th, 16th). Raju (24th) netted the Universal goal.                   
Wednesday’s matches: ‘A’ Division: Nationals vs HMT, 1.45 pm; Super Division: ASC vs SAI, 3.45 pm.