JCT held by East Bengal in barren I-League draw

Failing to convert chances into goals, East Bengal had to be content with a goalless draw against JCT Mills, Phagwara, in an I-League football match on Sunday.

Dominating the lion's share of the 90-minute exchange at the Salt Lake Stadium, East Bengal came close to scoring on four occasions, but the final finishing eluded the home side.

JCT, on the other hand, could not create a single clear chance in the match and lost their first points after two consecutive wins in the high-profile league. After three games, JCT are on seven points, while the city giants have culled two.

Veteran Ghanaian Yusif Yakubu and Syed Rahim Nabi shone for the red and yellow brigade in the match, but their untiring work could not produce the desired results, with JCT custodian Karanjet Singh showing fine anticipation to thwart several moves.

As early as the sixth minute, Yakubu's pass was flicked by Nabi, but national skipper Bhaichung Bhutia saw his left footer narrowly miss the far post.

Bhutia was nowhere near his best, and only dazzled for fleeting moments. Twenty minutes into the game, Nabi unleashed a power-packed volley, but Karanjit proved equal to the challenge by effecting a fine save.

East Bengal tightened the screws during the last 20 minutes of the game, as JCT went completely on the defensive.

Following a combined move, Bhutia headed for Nabi, who took a sudden and powerful shot, which went straight to Karanjit. The goalkeeper gripped the ball calmly.

JCT had another close shave in the very next minute, but Beingaichho Beokhokhai's snap 25 yarder went just past the far upright.