JCT register first victory

Former champions JCT Mills, Phagwara, tasted their first victory in the National Football League when they defeated Mahindra United 1-0, in Ludhiana, on Friday.

The all-important goal was scored by Hardip Singh Gill in the 55th minute, after the first half ended goalless.

After a passing bout between Jaswinder Singh and Harminder Singh, the last named found Hardip in the clear. The striker made no mistake in beating Mahindra custodian Virender Singh.

In the first half, both teams made some good moves, but failed get a goal on the scoreboard. Striker Abhay Kumar and Raman Vijayan, for Mahindra United, and Harminder Singh, for JCT, missed the target when ideally placed.

With the victory, JCT have 10 points from 15 matches, losing seven and drawing seven. Mahindra United have 14 points from their 15 matches. They have won three, drawn six and lost six matches.

JCT continue to languish at the bottom of the table which is being headed by East Bengal, with 31 points, followed by FC Kochin, 29 points, and Mohun Bagan, 28.

JCT take on State Bank of Travancore in their next match on April 6.