By Joseph Solomon,

AIFF Media Team

SHILLONG: Eastern Sporting Union were held to a 1-1 draw by SETHU FC in a group stage match of the second edition of the Hero Indian Women’s League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya today (April 08, 2018).

Ranjibala Devi’s early strike was cancelled out by Indumathi’s 14^th minute goal as both teams qualify for the semi-finals of the second edition of the Hero Indian Women’s League, whilst sharing points.

Eastern Sporting Union decided to attack from the opening minutes of the match and Kamala Devi’s header in the 4^th minute was saved by the opposing custodian. ESU had not to wait for long to take the lead as in the very next minute Ranjibala’s magnificent attempt found the back of the net.

Ranjibala volleyed a cross from the left flank into the back of the net in the first attempt from inside the box as ESU took the lead in the 5^th minute. The lead however, did not last very long as SETHU FC equalized proceedings in the 14^th minute courtesy of Indumathi’s strike from between the legs of Panthoi.

The volatile opening minutes were followed by battle for possession in the midfield and both teams cancelled each other out for much of the remaining time of the first half. Chances came for ESU but their forwards could not make the most out of it. The half-time scoreline read 1-1.

Changing over, ESU tried to adopt an attacking momentum and almost succeeded in scoring in the 48^th minute when Mandakini Devi’s attempt from inside the box was saved by the opposing custodian.

Shortly after, Kamala Devi burst onto goal and rounded up the goalkeeper but the referee called the play offside as ESU searched for the decisive goal. Relying on counter-attacks SETHU FC tried to stretch ESU’s defence but could not create clear goal scoring opportunities.

The full-time scoreline read 1-1 as both teams shared the spoils of battle.