Pune held, face East Bengal in title decider

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Action from a Round Four match between Pune FC and Tata Football Academy in the I-League Under-20 final phase at Jamshedpur on F

Formidable Pune FC were held to a goalless draw by a well-supported Tata Football Academy in Round Four of their I-League Under-20 final phase match in Jamshedpur on Friday.

The result took Pune FC’s points tally to 10, which makes the last round on Sunday crucial to decide the league title.
Hosts TFA (eight points), Sesa FA (six), Mohun Bagan (four), East Bengal (four) and Salgaocar FC (one) trail on the league table. On Sunday, Pune FC face East Bengal while TFA take on Mohun Bagan at the JRD Sports Complex.
Backed by a sizable crowd, TFA began cautiously and shared early exchanges. However, it were Pune FC who made the first attacking move. Winger Nikhil Kadam’s chip intended for striker William Lalnunfela, ended a yard long allowing TFA goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh to take control.
At the other end, defender Ranjan Singh and Riyan Yadgiri cut down Udanta Singh’s run on the left flank.
Minutes later, Pune FC created two quick chances. First striker Thongkhosiem Haokip’s soft shot on goal following a wall pass by Nikhil, awkwardly bounced before the ’keeper who managed to grab on his second attempt.
A minute later, the visitors missed the only open chance of the match. Defender Riyan Yadgiri’s long ball created confusion between TFA’s Chinglensana Singh and Suraj, leaving William in the clear. Pouncing on the opportunity, William moved into the penalty area and from a one-on-one situation tapped wide from 10-yards out.
The miss proved costly as thereafter both teams left no space for either.