I-League Media Team

PUNE: Bharat FC lived on the edge for 50 minutes despite scoring first through Surajit Bose before hard-working Shillong Lajong FC struck four minutes from close through Uilliams to draw the Round 18 I-League football championship match at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Sunday.

Host Bharat FC would have liked to take full points and even though they enjoyed the lead for 50 minutes, it was the visitors who would return happy after Shillong Lajong’s Brazilian striker netted an equalizer to dampen the Lions’ spirits.

One point each meant there was slight shake up at the bottom of the I-League table. Bharat FC stayed at No 10 position with 12 points from 13 matches, while Shillong Lajong moved one place up to No 8. They have 13 points from at many matches, but Dempo SC dropped to No 9 after losing to Pune FC on Saturday.

Shillong was always on the up creating chances. Boithang Haokip made a fabulous move in th 33rd move sending the ball for Cornell Glenn, who controlled the ball and set up Penn Orji. But Bharat FC defence was alert to foil the attack.

But three minutes later Surajit Bose put Bharat FC ahead with a copybook header off corner. Steven Dias sent in a perfect shot from the flag-post in the 36th minute and Bose rose above all to guide the ball into the nets.

Lajong counterattacked soon after, but Uilliams was fouled at the edge of the Bharat FC box forcing the referee to award free-kick. But Glenn wasted the chance with a tame shot that never threatened the Bharat FC goal.

There were skirmishes in the middle but Bharat FC kept cool and went for break with a simple lead.

But that was to be nullified as the home team failed to give itself enough cushion.

As the match entered the business end it was Nigerian Orji who sent in a square to Uilliams, who made no mistakes in tapping the ball into the net.

Soon after Bharat FC created a chance when Bob Hassell set up a great ball but Asif Kotayil missed putting the ball through as it hit the near post and Kris Bright too found wanting at the far post when the rebound came to him.