Punjab, Services play out goalless draw

Anil Datt

Ludhiana, March 4

Services and hosts Punjab played out a goalless draw in their Group A match of the 69th National Football Tournament for Santosh Trophy here today.
Both the sides, having won their first matches, came to the ground beaming with confidence. The visitors however enjoyed an upper hand in the opening session. Services strikers Vivek Kumar, Francis Zonuntulunga and Anoop Pauly weaved good moves. In the 20th minute, Vivek’s powerful shot flew over the goal. Five minutes later, Arjun Tudu missed two sitters much to the relief of the home side. In the second half, Punjab reorganised and dictated the terms but failed to translate the chances.
Services captain Anthony Chettri expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the match.
“Boys did a fine job by containing the hosts. We had lost to Punjab in the Kerala National Games, so we are satisfied with the result. Now, we’ll concentrate on the remaining matches to qualify for the knockout stage,” he said.
Tomorrow, West Bengal will take on Maharashtra.