PCTC ride on Ekka strike to hold HASC

Sappers lead the table; Aircraftmen second

Nayeemuddin’s strike midway through the first-half for Aircraftmen was cancelled out by Sunil Ekka as PCTC dashed their rivals’ hopes of claiming full points from the contest.

HASC, who have played five matches, are placed second with eight points behind MEG, who have ten points but from a match less.  MEG were scheduled to play the second match of the day against Canara Bank, but it was postponed as a power failure hit the venue.

Canara Bank too are still in the race as they have five points from three matches. HASC played an aggressive first half with Abhinav Ganapathy and Vineeth Michael testing the PCTC defence. The Aircraftmen showed a lot of purpose with their moves on both the flanks.

Nayeemuddin rose to the occasion in the 18th minute to slam home the first goal of the match and give the Aircraftmen a 1-0 lead. PCTC, with captain Sunil Kumar Ekka and Saran Lakra leading their sorties, swung into attack as they went in search of the equaliser. The duo was assisted by S Kujur and Anthony Hemrom. PCTC’s relentless targeting of HASC’s defence saw them earning four penalty corners in the first half. Although, the first three were wasted, Ekka converted the fourth penalty corner in the 32nd minute to equalise.

The second half was a session of missed opportunities for both the teams. PCTC, especially struggled with execution when it came to penalty corners, four of which they squandered in the session.

MEG, who have two more matches left, are well placed to qualify for the second phase starting on January 8.  Saturday is a rest day while Sunday will feature three matches.