Jotin strikes as BEML edge MEG

Postal, Aeronautical Development Establishment settle for a 1-1 draw

Riding on Jotin Singh’s lone strike Bharath Earth Movers edged past Madras Engineering Group 1-0 in an incident-ridden BDFA Super Division League match here on Wednesday.

With Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club already crowned champions and Karntaka State Police assured of a second place, both teams squared off in the hope of clinching the third spot that would have given them some extra prize money. But, the clash between last season’s runners-up and second runners-up was erratic and lacked flow for the better part of the game.

The eighth victory now takes BEML to third spot with 27 points with a match in hand while the Sappers’ disappointing form of late - losses against the top three - leaves them fifth on the table with two games left.

The Earth Movers went into the lead in the 21st minute through a good passing move. Sanath Kumar burst clear with the ball down the centre through a counter attack and relayed it to Nigerian import Samuel Jackson on the right. The striker then quickly squared it to an advancing Jotin Singh, who tapped-in the ball calmly past custodian Malay Paul.

Following the goal, players from both camps indulged in rough play forcing several halts in the game. In the 37th minute, BEML’s Jaya Kumar and Sappers’ Nigil were sent-off for violent play that triggered instant protests from the former’s coach Karuna Murthy. With referee Suresh refusing to turn down the decision, Murthy barged on to the pitch arguing strongly against the decision before walking back to the players bench.

The rough play continued even after the interval and BEML’s Ricky Roy and Obinna Winners were awarded an yellow card. During the closing stages, the Sappers’ came close to scoring but squandered in a moment of haste.

In the day’s other match, Postal drew 1-1 with ADE. Dhanashekhar’s fifth-minute strike for ADE was cancelled by Srinivasan in the 67th minute.