Delhi, March 19: Jamshedpur FC clawed back from the jaws of defeat with a spirited performance to secure a crucial point against Sporting Club Delhi, as a late equaliser from Nikola ensured the Men of Steel left Delhi with a hard-fought draw.
The result sees Jamshedpur FC move to 13 points from six matches, level with Mohun Bagan SG, who have played one game fewer.
Jamshedpur FC started brightly and looked the more threatening side in the opening exchanges. Sanan was at the heart of the early attacks, first squaring a dangerous ball that ricocheted off Manvir but was cleared before he could react. Minutes later, Sanan was involved again, delivering a teasing cross that Rei could not time properly. The Men of Steel continued to apply pressure through set-pieces, but the home side stayed compact and looked to break on the counter.
Against the run of play, the hosts took the lead in the 22nd minute through a fortunate sequence. Albino Gomes parried a cross, but the ball struck Pronay and fell kindly to Joseph, who tapped into an open net to put Delhi ahead.
Jamshedpur FC responded well and continued to create chances. Sanan tested the goalkeeper from distance, while Nikola’s cross shortly after could not be converted by Rei. The biggest chance of the half fell to Sanan, who brilliantly dribbled past defenders but fired over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Jamshedpur FC dominating possession and probing for an equaliser while Delhi remained disciplined at the back. As time ticked away, it seemed the Men of Steel would be left ruing missed opportunities.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute. Nikola unleashed a shot from outside the box, which took a deflection on its way into the net, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and bringing Jamshedpur FC level in dramatic fashion.
With seven minutes of added time, Jamshedpur FC pushed for a winner, but the equaliser ultimately ensured they came away with a valuable point.
With the international break now approaching, the Men of Steel will next face Mohun Bagan on April 4 in what promises to be a crucial encounter.
