Indian Bank ended their losing streak in the National Football League, scoring a close 2-1 victory over Hindustan Aeronautics in their 14th round match in Chennai on Sunday.
After a barren first-half, the bankmen forged ahead in the 55th minute through Joseph.
However, the visitors restored parity in the very next minute through hardworking Rajendra Prasad.
Sri Lankan forward, Jayasuriya scored the match-winner for the home side.
Having lost four straight matches, the bankmen, with their morale down, needed a win badly. They held sway almost through the first-half though the rivals did enjoy supremacy for about 15 minutes in between.
Luck also did not help HAL as twice they saw the goal post coming to the rescue of Indian Bank
The bankmen went into the lead when Joseph, substituting for Mohamed Qizar, beat HAL goalkeeper Mark Mascarenhas to a high ball and headed home.
Following a counter attack HAL drew level. Striker Mani took a powerful right-footer from top of the box. The ball ricocheted off bank keeper Sebastin Netto's palm and Prasad pounced on the lose ball to bulge the net.
Bank coach V P Satyan bolstered the half line by bringing in Imran Mohamed, a Sri Lankan recruit, who was effective and involved in each of their moves.
In the 85th minute, Jayasuriya showed his brilliance. Collecting a pass from Imran on the left, he, in a trice, lobbed the ball into the net past the advancing Mascarenhas.
© 2024 Rediff.com -