JCT made a last-minute recovery from an early deficit to hold Air India of Mumbai to 1-1 draw in a crucial 18th round ONGC I-league football championship match at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana on Saturday.

The airmen drew the first blood in 24th minute as Uttam Singh gave a clever pass to Gourango Biswas, who touched his head to guide the ball to the target.

JCT had to struggle hard for the equaliser which came in the dying moment of the match as their Brazilian import Eduardo-DA Silva scored in 90th minute.

Now Air India has 20 points while JCT, who will take on Sporting Club De Goa on March 21 here, have collected 18 points so far.