Pune hold ATK to dent ISL play-off chances

PUNE: An engaging tie between FC Pune City and ATK ended 2-2 but play-off hopes for either side took a beating in the Indian Super League here on Sunday.

Pune took the lead in a see-saw tussle through Marko Stankovic’s deflected strike (17’). A superb goal from Jayesh Rane (23’) and a penalty by Edu Garcia (61’) looked to have turned the tables in ATK’s favour but Robin Singh scored a header (73’) to help Pune clinch a point.

ATK have lost the chance to move within a point of fourthplaced NorthEast United and stay sixth with 21 points from 15 matches while Pune City’s slim hopes of reaching the top-four have ended. With a victory the need of the hour for both sides it was an end-to-end game.

CHENNAI FACE NEROCA

IMPHAL: I-League leaders Chennai City will hope to avoid a potential banana peel in their quest for the title when they face hosts NEROCA FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium on Monday. With 33 points from 15 games, Chennai could go four points clear of second-placed Real Kashmir with a win here.

With trips to Shillong and Goa next for the Akbar Nawascoached side in the season run-in, Chennai can ill-afford to drop points, especially with East Bengal too breathing down their necks. The Kolkata giants are five behind with a game in hand.