Calcutta: Resolute defending from Pailan Arrows helped them manage a goalless draw against Salgaocar SC in the 18th round I-League match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.

Arrows, in fact, could have registered their first victory in the tournament, but Ajay Singh missed the easiest chance of the match in the last minute.

Salgaocar’s defender Khelemba Meitei headed back a ball towards goalkeeper Karanjit Singh. Ajay intercepted it and was through on goal.

But an alert Karanjit came off his line and pulled in a good save to save Salgaocar’s blushes.

The draw leaves Salgaocar on 30 points from 18 encounters while Arrows stay on 8 points from 16 outings.

Their midfielders, Rocus Lamare and Tomba Singh, lacked creativity while wingers Francis Fernandes and Ishfaq Ahmed failed to create any moves.

Salgaocar got their first chance in the 17th minute. Ryuji Sueoka made a darting run before pulling the ball back for Ishfaq but Arrows goalkeeper Ravi Kumar did well to save it.

Meanwhile, in Pune, Churchill Brothers defeated Air India 1-0. Captain Beto scored on second rebound following a free-kick in the 30th minute.

Teams

Pailan Arrows: Ravi Kumar, Rajiv Ghosh, Souvik Ghosh, Prathamesh Maulingkar, Bikramjit Singh (Sehnaj Singh 65’), Gurtej Singh Jr, Lalrozama Fanai, Jibon Singh, Prabir Das (Loukik Dilip Jadhav 55’), C.S. Sabeeth, Bijendra Rai (Ajay Singh 62’)

Salgaocar: Karanjit Singh, Khelemba Metei, Nicolao Colaco, Dinesh Singh, Ishfaq Ahmed (Gilbert Oliviera 58’), Biswajit Saha, Tomba Singh, Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes (Anthony Barbosa 60’), Edeh Chidi (Bievan D’Mello 78’), Ryuji Sueoka.

Referee: Saptam Dey

Man of the match: Ryuji Sueoka