Vasco hold JCT goalless

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October 02, 2008 19:22 IST

Newly promoted Vasco held JCT to a goalless draw in a listless second round match of the ONGC I-League at Nehru stadium in Margao on Thursday.

The match never rose to great heights as both the teams lacked creativity besides wasting the numerous scoring chances that came their way.

JCT, who had more of the exchanges and scoring chances, failed to make the finishing touches with rival keeper Laxmikant Kattimani coming to his side's rescue on a couple of occasions.

Visiting coach Sukhwinder Singh was, however, satisfied at his team's performance although they could not collect full points.

"Collecting four points from two away matches is a satisfying result," he said.

The draw ensured Vasco their first point after they lost to Sporting Clube de Goa in their first match.

Vasco fielded all their three foreigners for the first time but did not create much of an impact as they failed to click as a team. Their midfield made lots of errors, allowing their rivals to probe more often.

JCT, who beat defending champions Dempo in their earlier match, had at least three chances in the first half but Vasco keeper Laxmikant denied Eduardo Silva from scoring twice.

The Punjab side had their first chance to score in the eighth minute but Eduardo directed a low left-footer that went off the mark after he was fed by Amandeep Singh from the right.

Four minutes later, Eduardo's well directed shot was punched out by the keeper. Laxmikant again came to his side's rescue when he tipped the ball over the bar off a free kick from Eduardo in the 20th minute.

The trend continued in the second half and JCT had the best chance to break the deadlock in the dying minutes when a move from the right by Eduardo found substitute Pawan Kumar alone inside the rival box only to head over the bar when there was none to challenge.

JCT defender Julius Akpele was declared man of the match.

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