JCT get past New Delhi Heroes 1-0

Barasat (West Bengal), Dec 15 (IANS) Jaspal Singh fired home a penalty to lead JCT Mills, Phagwara, to a 1-0 win over New Delhi Heroes in a group C outing of the 30th Federation Cup here Monday.

Finishing with six points from three matches, JCT's hopes of making the semi finals now hinge on the fate of the group's concluding match between East Bengal and Sporting Club de Goa slated for later in the evening.

East Bengal, on six points from two games, have a goal difference of 3-0, as against the Phagwara side's 3-1. With only one team making the pre-summit round from the group, East Bengal would be through with a draw. Even if they lose, a 1-2 reverse would see the city side in the semis.

JCT, on the other hand, would make the grade if East Bengal lose to Sporting with a two-goal margin.

However, the millmen could have found themselves on stronger turf had they converted the chances which came their way. At least three sitters were missed, all in the second session which saw JCT all over their opponents at the Vidyasagar stadium.

But the all-important goal came quarter of an hour into the game. New Delhi Hero's Barister Ryambat, trying to cut out a pass to Jaspal Singh, dived and surprisingly fisted the ball inside his own box, resulting in a penalty. Jaspal coolly pushed in the set-piece.

Crossing over, JCT came near scoring in the 66th minute, but Baljit Saini's tap was saved by Delhi team's goalkeeper Rajat Guha.

JCT maintained the pressure, and Eduardo Escobar da Silva, who walked in as a replacement midway into the second half, did the spadework in the 79th min and fed striker Balwant Singh. But Guha brought off another fine save to thwart Balwant.

Under pressure for the majority of the minutes, Delhi Hero got a chance from a sudden counter in the 81st minute, but Jiten Rai failed to find the target from close.

Eduardo then muffed up two golden opportunities. In the first instance, the Brazilian launched on a long run after receiving a long through, entered the box, but the shot hit Guha who had rushed out in time to block the shot.

The Brazilian was in the thick of action constantly as he repeatedly created the chances and got into fine positions near the JCT Delhi side's goal but failed to finish off. He moved into the box in the 87th minute after getting past Pawan Kumar, but then blew the ball over with the goalkeeper at his mercy.