Title - NFR edge past cops

Guwahati : NF Railway Sports Club got the better of Assam Police Blues by a solitary goal in the Abhishek Motors RG Baruah Trophy Guwahati Super Division football league at Nehru Stadium here today. The NF Railway players took advantage of a lacklustre display by the cops in the first half. However, the railway players, too, couldn't convert the half chances into goals, with strikers Sibra Narzary and Jelendra Brahma not able to finish their moves at the goalmouth. The policemen made occasional raids, but erratic passes by their forwards did not help their cause. In the 38th minute, Jelendra had a good opportunity, but could only feebly head one to Assam Police goalkeeper Dulu Gogoi. Three minutes later, the striker shot one over the bar from an acute angle. In the 43rd minute, the railway players made amends after a co-ordinated move from the left when Jelendra flicked one to Sibra, who made no mistake to shoot the ball to the right of goalkeeper Dulu Gogoi. After the lemon break, the NFR players started well, but the policemen tried to regroup and created a few opportunities that couldn't be utilised. In the 69th minute, Assam Police striker Rishikesh Medhi couldn't get hold of the ball inside the danger box, as he was within striking range. A minute later, Robijit, too, failed to strike as the alert custodian K. Bijen Singh collected the ball at the right time. Ten minutes later, Sarbananda Sonowal made a mess with a wayward strike from a few yards outside the danger box. With time running out for the cops, the fact that the opposition tried to strengthen its defence made it all the more difficult for them to draw parity. The NF Railway players held on to their 1-0 lead to earn three vital points and move to second place with nine points. Rising XI Club were awarded a walkover after Abutani Sports Club players did not turn up for their match in the Green Valley Travels Jibeswar Goswami first division league match here today.