BEML, who escaped with a 1-1 draw against KSP in their previous match, weren’t so lucky this time as a 38th minute header from captain Ramachandran gave ASC maximum points.
In a match dominated by the defence of both teams, the Armymen created more chances with their striker Jotin Singh posing a constant threat. The former ONGC man was a little unlucky not to open the scoring when he went down in the penalty area under the challenge of Ramesh. The referee did not see a foul and waved play on much to the dismay of the ASC supporters.
Jotin then served up a pass for midfielder Thirunavakarasu, whose first-time shot from 14 yards was well saved by goalkeeper Nezar.
BEML, meanwhile, were finding it hard to string any sort of a chance with influential midfielder Karthigeyan struggling throughout the game and forward Sarath hardly making his presence felt in the absence of strike partner Stephen.
The goal came seven minutes from half-time after a deep freekick from Raghu Kumar down the right saw Ramachandran rise above the BEML defence to power a header into the top corner from eight yards out.
The second half saw BEML show more urgency, but lacked the quality in the final third.
The only chance for the I-League II Division side came off a strike from Sarath from 25 yards out, which goalkeeper Shantanu Kar tipped onto the crossbar.
The Armymen also hit the woodwork a few minutes later when a rasping right-footed shot from Karthik hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten. BEML, tried their hardest in the final moments to salvage a draw, Arunjit coming closest with a shot from outside the box that was well kept out by Shantanu.
Meanwhile, the decision on the abandoned match between MEG and CIL will be taken on Thursday. The schedule for the ‘B ‘ Division league will be released the same day.
Other result: ‘A’ Division: AGORC: 1 (Akash 2nd) bt LRDE: 0.
