Date:10/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/10/stories/2005051008472000.htm

Sport - Football

KSEB rues missed opportunities

Sports Reporter

Cochin Port Trust escapes with a draw

THRISSUR: A combination of good work by its defenders — assisted well by its 'keeper — and poor finishing by the rival forwards helped Cochin Port Trust hold KSEB to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the Royal Challenge State football league at the Sree Kerala Varma College Ground here on Monday.

Port Trust took the lead in the 58th minute through Harish, taking full advantage of what was perhaps the team's lone scoring chance. Eight minute later, P.B. Ramesh restored parity for the Thiruvananthapuram side.

KSEB wasted many chances that came its way, the main culprit being Anil Kumar, who could have completed a hat-trick in the first-half itself.

Port Trust, though, wouldn't have been able to save this game but for the fine effort by its defenders, Libu, Suneer, Saji George and Saral V. Thomas. They were well supported by custodian Jinesh, who made many fine saves, including a close-ranger from Ramesh in the dying minutes.

Ramesh, however, made no mistake earlier when he volleyed in a rebound from outside the box from a move initiated by Binoop, who came in for Renjith seven minutes into the second-half, to restore parity.

Port Trust went ahead when Harish beat the KSEB custodian Nelson, making use of a short free-kick taken by T.S. Anoj from just outside the right of the box.