In a game of two halves, Karthik M stroked the Policemen ahead early in the opening half before Hmar Ngurneilal slammed home the equaliser post the break as both teams deservedly signed off 1-1 at the Bangalore Football Stadium.
Former champions KSP made a bright start to the contest that was played under a steady -- at times heavy -- drizzle. Despite slippery and cold conditions, the Policemen faced little problems, finding their footing rightaway, often troubling the Sappers with some good movement and fine passes.
However, the final ball eluded them and MEG cut out the dangers without much hassle. The Policemen’s hard work, though, bore fruit in the 15th minute when winger Arun Kumar whipped a sharp cross from the left. Striker Karthik M then struck straight to goalkeeper Sharat Kumar, who fumbled with the catch only to see the ball roll into the net. The Policemen gained ascendency post that, creating a couple of more good chances but the Sappers held fort strongly.
The wheel then turned upside down in the second half with MEG calling the shots repeatedly and the Policemen forced onto the defensive. Looking a completely different side that played the first 45 minutes, the Sappers, who brought in medio Jiten immediately after the break, played the football that has seen them often challenge the best in the City.
They equalised with a fine move that was started and finished by Ngurneilal. The striker released the ball just off the midfield to Jiten and sprinted down the into the box. Jiten then exchanged a quick 1-2 with Johnson before whipping it from the left into the ‘D’ as Ngurneilal laid the final touches in style.
The Sappers continued to dominate the proceedings and almost sealed victory but Ramu V blasted over from point blank with the last shot of the match.
Meanwhile, there was a 1-1 draw in the ‘A’ Division fixture too between AGORC and ISRO earlier in the day. Manju put AGORC ahead in the 37th minute before Raghu equalised in the next minute.