JOIN USSalgaocar FC’s chance to close the gap at the top was frustrated by United Sports Club as they played out a goal-less draw in a 21st round match of the I-League here on Saturday.
Salgaocar (34 from 20), who were looking to close the gap to within a point of first placed Bengaluru FC (37 from 19), were frustrated by the rival defenders who put up a solid performance to subdue Dudu Omagbemi and Darryl Duffy upfront.
The visitors took time to settle down but once they found their bearing, they made repeated forays in the opposition box and could have taken the lead had it not been for ’keeper Karanjit Singh’s brilliant work under the bar.
Ozbey strikes
Meanwhile, a 77th minute strike by Tolgay Ozbey guided Dempo to a solitary goal win over Mohammedan Sporting.
After a barren first half, Ozbey once again proved to be Dempo’s saviour when he struck in the 77th minute to give them full points and take them to fifth place with 29 points from 20 matches.
Mohammedan Sporting, who are in the danger of relegation, remained on 12th place with 17 points from 19 matches.
Striker Ozbey created all sorts of trouble for the opposition defence and had a couple of clear chances towards the end of the first half but could not score.
Mohammedan well in defending until the closing stages when Tolgay struck.